ICYMI: The NOLA-PS Evolve Address

Thank you to everyone who joined my recent State of the District Address, where we reviewed the progress since launching NOLA-PS Evolve in October 2023. I was proud to highlight key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and our goals through 2028.

It was a great opportunity to reflect on how we're building a brighter future for our scholars and educators.

If you missed it, click the video below to watch the full address:

Recap of NOLA-PS Community Meetings on the 2024-2025 Renewal Process

Thank you to all who attended the recent community meetings hosted by NOLA-PS regarding the renewal process for the 2024-2025 academic year. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards and accountability for all charter schools, these sessions provided valuable insights into how the renewal process works.

Held last week, these meetings offered families and community members a clearer understanding of the evaluation process that determines whether a charter school will be renewed for future operations.

If you missed the in-person meetings, we welcome you to attend our Virtual Renewal Process Community meeting on Wed., Oct. 2 at 5:30 PM via Zoom; Meeting ID: 845 3214 5156; Passcode: 702807

To learn more about the process and to see the list of schools up for renewal click here or listen to the Education Elevation segment below.

Catch Up on Education Elevation: A Spotlight on NOLA-PS' Renewal Process

On September 25th, our Education Elevation radio show featured an insightful discussion on Charter School Renewals with Rafael Simmons, NOLA-PS' Chief Portfolio Innovation & Accountability Officer.

We covered key details about the renewal process, how it operates, and which schools are up for renewal during the 2024-2025 academic year. If you missed it, be sure to tune in for important updates impacting our school community!

To Listen:

• Click the video below to hear our insightful conversation.

Stay Tuned:

• Don't miss my next Education Elevation on WBOK 1230am Wednesday, October 23rd, where we'll continue to elevate education in our community.

Your Voice Matters: Shape the Future of NOLA Public Schools

Dear Teachers, Staff, and Families, we have an exciting opportunity for you to directly influence how NOLA Public Schools communicates and engages with its community. We're launching our Stakeholder Engagement Survey, and we need your insights to guide us toward better, more inclusive communication strategies.

Why Your Feedback is Crucial:

• Enhance Communication: Help us identify what's working and what needs improvement in how we share information.

• Increase Engagement: Your input will shape programs and events to better meet the needs of our diverse community.

• Drive Improvement: By understanding your perspective, we can continuously refine our district's approach to support our students, teachers, and families effectively.

How to Participate:

Taking the survey is quick and straightforward. It will only take about 10 minutes of your time, but the impact of your feedback could resonate for years. Simply click here to begin or scan the QR code below.

Thank you for being part of our community and for your commitment to making NOLA Public Schools better every day.

Empowering Future Leaders: Join Us for The Voices of Future Leaders Voting Rally!

I'm delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for our registered high school voters! In partnership with Councilman Green and The Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition, we invite you to join us for The Voices of Future Leaders (VOFL) Voting Rally: Your Voice, Your Vote!

This event will take place on October 25th at 10 AM at City Hall Chambers. It's a unique opportunity for our young voters to learn about the power of their voice and their vote, hear from city leaders, and even cast their vote during early voting week!

Event Details:

• Who: All NOLA-PS registered high school voters
• What: A fun, engaging rally where students can vote early!
• Where: City Hall Chambers
• When: October 25th, 10 AM-12 PM
• Why: Empower our young scholars with the importance of civic participation!

If you’re interested in bringing scholars, please fill out the interest form, and we’ll confirm your participation. Let’s come together and encourage our future leaders to make their voices heard!

For more information, please contact Julieanne Lund, Director of Governmental Affairs & Community Relations, at jlund@nolapublicschools.com.

RTA's Opportunity Pass!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Opportunity Pass Kickoff Party at Café Reconcile Sept. 20th! It was a wonderful event, and NOLA-PS was excited to see so many Orleans Parish residents, ages 16-24, sign up for the one-year, zero-fares pilot program. The Opportunity Pass will provide free rides on RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries, helping to remove one of the many barriers our youth face every day.

Representatives from NOYA, the Reengagement Center, Youth Empowerment Project, the NET, RIDE, and the New Orleans Public Library shared valuable resources with attendees. The bread pudding was a crowd favorite!

About the Opportunity Pass: 

Throughout this one-year pilot, the RTA will engage with participating youth through focus groups to gather feedback, which will be critical in improving and strengthening the program. Additionally, the RTA and RIDE will report on ridership details, which they hope will encourage leaders to advocate for sustainable funding to establish a permanent program for Orleans Parish youth.

How to Sign Up for the Opportunity Pass:

• Orleans Parish residents ages 16-24 can still sign up at any library.  
• Youth-serving organizations can contact opportunitypass@rideneworleans.org for on-site group sign-ups.

To learn more, click here.

Hispanic Heritage Month: A Celebration of Culture

As we mark Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latino culture in the U.S. This period honors the independence of several Latin American countries and the immense contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Highlights:

• Music & Dance: Experience the lively rhythms of salsa, tango, and more at local events or classes.
• Cuisine: Dive into the diverse flavors of Latin American food, from tacos to paella.
• Art & Literature: Explore works by icons like Frida Kahlo or Gabriel García Márquez.
• Historical Figures: Recognize pioneers like Cesar Chavez or Sonia Sotomayor.

Get Involved:

• Attend parades, film festivals, or cultural exhibits.
• Support Hispanic-owned businesses and engage in educational activities about Hispanic history.

This month isn't just about celebration but also about education and inclusivity, reminding us of the vibrant contributions that make America's cultural landscape so rich. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Voices of Future Leaders Shine at Arthur Ashe Town Hall

Last week, Arthur Ashe Charter School hosted the Voices of Future Leaders Town Hall (VOFL) featuring George Lee, also known as "Conscious Lee." As Superintendent, I was excited to witness our scholars engage in powerful discussions on leadership, social media, and mental health.

Lee inspired the students with his message: “You don’t have to wait to be a leader—start now.” Scholars shared their own strengths:

• Ishmael: “My superpower is strength because I push through with determination.”
• Mariah: “Stay in your books and leave negativity alone.”
• Ethan: “Balance your schoolwork and social life.”

These scholars proved leadership is already in action, and I’m proud of their voices and vision for the future. Click the video below to watch this Town Hall and be sure to check out our YouTube tomorrow see the next episode of VOFL with The NET: East with special guest - Ron Brade, Senior Vice President of Administration and Chief Operating Officer for Xavier University.

Important Upcoming Dates

• October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month; National Principals Month; Domestic Violence Awareness Month; National Bullying Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month
• Oct. 2 - Renewal Process - Virtual Community Meeting
• Oct. 2 - National Custodian Day
• Oct. 4 - World Smile Day
• Oct. 5 - World Teachers Day
• Oct. 6 - National Coaches' Day
• Oct. 12-13 - Dominican NOLA Fest
• Oct. 14-18 - National School Lunch Week
• Oct. 15 - Night Out Against Crime
• Oct. 16 - National Boss' Day
• Oct. 19 - NOLA-PS and Gigi's Playhouse: Downs Syndrome Awareness Event for Families and Students
• Oct 21-25 - NOLA-PS Juvenile Justice Week
• Oct 21-25 - National School Bus Safety Week
• Oct. 22 - OPSB Committe of the Whole Meeting
• Oct. 23 - Education Elevation
• Oct. 24 - OPSB Business Meeting
• Oct. 25 - VOFL Voting Rally: Your Voice, Your Vote! at City Hall
• Oct. 27 - National Mentoring Day
• Oct. 29 - JOYful Educator Connection
• Oct. 31 - Halloween