Superintendent Update

Despite the freezing temperatures and abundant rain, the second semester is off to a great start! It's hard to believe that we are half way through this school year, and all that comes with the spring semester is upon us. We are excited about focusing our efforts on strong implementation of the District Strategic Initiatives and School Action Plans this semester. We truly believe that being intentional and consistent with our initiatives will bring about success for our students!

While school and district accountability is always a priority for us, our main concern is making sure our students continue to receive the best education possible while engaging in challenging and memorable classroom experiences. Testing is simply a means for us to measure our students' progress, so I encourage you to keep that in mind as you plan your lessons this semester.

I know that a lot of work is being done with our literacy initiatives, student work analysis and MTSS, and I appreciate your willingness to dig deep and think outside the box. As educators, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to ensure our students have the very best learning experiences and reach their full potential. Thank you for your commitment to provide these opportunities for the students of Caldwell Parish!

Nicki McCann, Superintendent

Students will dismiss at noon on Friday, February 2nd. Employees will participate in professional development in the afternoon.

Myra Meredith (5th grade) and Bridger McCann (8th grade) were selected as one of the Top 4 Finalists who will be moving on to the Regional Student of the Year competition. What a huge accomplishment and exciting opportunity for both of them!

This month we would like to highlight and recognize the incredible transportation staff at Kelly Early Childhood Center! If you have had a child that was enrolled in our PK3 program, you know that the bus system is very different. The bus driver and the bus aides travel to various pick up points in the parish to gather the young children in the mornings and deliver them back in the afternoons. They must sign the children in as the adult brings them to the bus and they are then securely fastened in their seats. So many parents have commented on how wonderful this group is and how thankful they are for their smiles and positive attitudes! We wanted to recognize our driver for our PK3, Mr. Dean Hart and the bus aides, Mrs. Kelly Bassett and Mrs. Brittany Breland.

Math Literacy Night 2024 @ UCES

UCES math night 2024.mov

Mr. Hayden Lee’s physical science class is working on calculating the velocity of an object when given the distance traveled and the amount of elapsed time.

H. Lee

Coach Garrett Douglas’s EMR classes are preparing to get certified in BLS (CPR/AED). They are practicing before their skills test.

My Movie 20.MOV

K - 6 DIBELS 8th Middle of the Year testing is almost complete. We will begin sending out student reports and meeting with teachers to analyze our data. Click on the links to learn more.

DIBELS Tips for Families

Parent Guide to DIBELS Assessment

Click this link to check out the CPSD YouTube Channel. You can watch school board meetings as well as other school and district events. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmN0H96jk9FzBbHXwc--3zg

Please checkout the January Technology Newsletter for useful information about Artificial Intelligence, (AI) Windows Updates, as well as other useful tips.

January is School Board Recognition Month and Caldwell Parish School Board is honored to celebrate its school board members for their dedication and commitment to the district’s schools and students. “Our school board members are selfless volunteers who spend long hours working to ensure all of our students have the opportunity to learn and grow,” Superintendent Nicki McCann said. “ Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to say thanks for all they do.”

Serving as a link between the community and classroom, school board members are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for public schools. The Caldwell Parish School board is responsible for an annual budget of $27,689,539 million (all funds), 1,537 students, and 7 campuses. “School boards are essential to a strong public education system,” Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) Executive Director Janet Pope said. “They provide the local governance and oversight that makes it possible for school districts to serve students, including establishing a strategic plan, adopting policies, approving a budget, and selecting and evaluating a superintendent. It’s fitting that we celebrate them in January as their leadership is key to the success of every school district in Louisiana.” LSBA Board President Rose Dominguez echoed those same thoughts. “It’s the perfect opportunity to honor our school board members and let the communities they serve know about their many contributions.”

Under the leadership of this school board, Caldwell Parish School District has maintained a “B” letter grade, implemented a well-rounded literacy program and made numerous capital improvements to the school and athletic facilities. Additionally, the board voted to restructure the elementary schools in 2023-2024 to better meet the academic and social needs of the students of Caldwell Parish.

School leaders will share the results of the Midyear Teacher Surveys with their faculties during the February 2nd PD session in order to celebrate successes and brainstorm opportunities to improve.

Caldwell Parish Schools Menus – Child Nutrition – Caldwell Parish School District (caldwelledu.org)

Good luck to the CPJH Robotics Team, who will be competing in the First Lego League State Competition this weekend! They presented their projects at the January School Board Meeting and they were also featured on KNOE 8 News. Check out their story here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/eePdbMwN2x7WyRBt/?mibextid=KMUjF5

The Title I Parental Advisory Meeting will be held on February 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Federal Programs Office. Please join us!

Email: nmccann@caldwelledu.org
Website: www.caldwelledu.org
Location: 7112 U.S. 165, Columbia, LA, USA
Phone: 3186492689
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaldwellParishSchoolDistrict