Every Child. Every School. Every Day. | |
The District Digest, a refreshed take on our district newsletter! This new name reflects our commitment to delivering timely updates, celebrating successes, and keeping our NOLA-PS community informed and engaged. Stay tuned for highlights, announcements, and stories that matter most to you!
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A Message from
Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore
Dear NOLA Public Schools Family and Community,
I am immensely grateful and excited to address you as the newly appointed Superintendent of NOLA Public Schools. Words cannot fully express my appreciation for the trust and confidence that the Orleans Parish School Board and our community have placed in me.
As your superintendent, I understand the profound impact that education can have on a child’s life. Students First, Excellence in Education, and Leadership by Example are at the core of my values. I assure you that as a district, we are committed to working alongside you to make our schools places where our students' dreams are nurtured, and futures are built.
I believe in the art of the possible. Our recent progress as a district inspires me and sets the tone for our best that is still to come. Graduation rates are improving, opportunity pathways for students are expanding, and we were one point away from becoming a B-rated school district, with no failing schools. Now is the time to build on this momentum, ensuring our schools remain a beacon of hope and excellence for every child, in every school, every day.
New Orleans is a city to watch, and it is my vision for NOLA Public Schools to become a national model in educating children to grow, achieve, and thrive. Later this month, I will release my entry plan, which will outline four phases focused on listening and learning from stakeholders, synthesizing insights, building coherence, and executing with thoughtful intentions as we continue the work of our Strategic Plan of Action and deliver on our Board priorities.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I am honored to serve as your Superintendent. Let’s make great things happen for our children.
Forward, together!
Dr. Fateama Fulmore
Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools
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Shining Bright During LEAP Testing!
LEAP testing is in full swing, and our students are absolutely shining! Click the video below to hear some tips.
Together, we can ensure every student shines on this vital academic milestone!
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Early Childhood Main Round Results Released
NOLA-PS is pleased to announce the Main Round placement results for the 2025-2026 Early Childhood NOLA Common Application Process (NCAP) are now available. Families can view their results by logging into apply.avela.org/nolaps.
Read more here.
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NOLA Public Schools and the 2026 Accountability System
NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is preparing for the Louisiana Department of Education's revised "Grow. Achieve. Thrive." accountability system, launching in Fall 2026 with 2025-2026 data. The transparent, 100-point system focuses on student growth, proficiency, and college/career readiness through three equally weighted categories: Grow, Achieve, and Thrive.
To learn more, about how NOLA-PS is integrating the state's new letter grade system into its Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF), click here.
For all the details from the state on their new accountability system, click here.
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Exciting Opportunity for Your High School Senior!
Dear Families, your high school senior with PERFECT ATTENDANCE could win a 2025 Toyota Corolla LE through the Premier Stay in School Program! Thanks to the Orleans Parish School Board, Toyota of New Orleans, and Premier Automotive Group and its founder and president Troy Duhon (pictured below), one lucky student will drive away with a new car (featuring a premium sound system from Mobile One Auto Sound), plus scholarship funds and gifts at a special awards luncheon in late May.
Your student's school will submit your senior’s info by May 2, 2025.
Let’s celebrate your student’s commitment to education!
| | 2024 Stay in School Winner: 18-year-old Tyran Zardies Jr, a graduate of The Willow School, walked away with a 2024 Toyota Corolla LE for having perfect attendance his senior year. | |
Families: Unlock UNO’s Orleans Instant Admit Program!
Dear Families, help your high school senior soar with the Orleans Instant Admit Program, a proud partnership between NOLA Public Schools and the University of New Orleans!
Orleans Parish graduates with a 2.5 GPA and a TOPS curriculum are automatically admitted to UNO and can receive $2,000–$5,000/year scholarships for 4 years.
It's not too late to apply! UNO has rolling admissions and you can apply at any time. Encourage your student to apply at apply.uno.edu!
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Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9), NOLA-PS invites the entire community to join us in honoring the heart of our schools—our incredible teachers. Our dedicated educators inspire, challenge, and uplift our students every day, shaping the future of New Orleans with their passion and commitment.
We encourage families, students, and staff to share notes, kind words, or small tokens of appreciation to recognize the tireless work of our teachers. Together, let’s make this week a meaningful tribute to their impact, and let’s show our teachers the love and respect they deserve!
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Celebrating Autism Awareness with NOLA-PS and Autism Society
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, rescheduled from last month due to severe weather, NOLA-PS is partnering with the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans for a special event on Saturday, May 17th at Mahalia Jackson Elementary.
This gathering will unite families, students, and various organizations to showcase exceptional local programs and foster community connections. To reserve your spot, click here.
Join us to observe autism awareness. For a full list of specialized programs in the New Orleans area, click here.
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Big congratulations to the Net Central City's Quinci Lewis, a Class of 2025 standout and recipient of the Step Up Aim High $1,000 scholarship! Selected from a pool of impressive applicants, Quinci’s drive and vision shone brightly. NOLA-PS and Net Central City is thrilled to cheer her on as she pursues culinary arts and her dream of owning her own business. Way to go, Quinci!
The Warren Easton National Honor Society members exemplified leadership and community spirit by volunteering at Hynes Charter School’s Easter Egg Hunt! From sparking joy to guiding young egg hunters, the NHS Eagles showcased the heart of service. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and for representing Easton with true excellence!
G.W. Carver High School's Class of 2025 is making a difference!
These seniors showed their community pride by cleaning up more than 25 blocks in our city! After their hard work, they celebrated with some well-deserved fun. NOLA-PS is so proud of these Carver seniors for their dedication to keeping New Orleans vibrant and thriving!
These Home Plessy dancers brought their incredible style and moves to the French Quarter Fest parade, joining the marching unit to kick off the celebration in true New Orleans fashion! We’re so proud of their vibrant performance and for representing our community with flair!
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Our Students Shine in
Essence Magazine
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We’re thrilled to celebrate NOLA Public Schools students featured in Essence magazine’s May/June 2025 issue, commemorating Hurricane Katrina’s 20th anniversary. Photographed by New Orleans native and NOLA-PS alumnus Edward Buckles Jr., a graduate of Edna Karr High School, the cover series highlights the resilience and cultural pride of our youth.
The feature showcases students from schools like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School, Edna Karr High School, Livingston Collegiate Academy, and John F. Kennedy Senior High School. Paired with stories by local historian Cierra Chenier, it reflects their strength and vision for New Orleans’ future.
Join us in celebrating our students’ national recognition by grabbing Essence’s May/June 2025 issue, available now! Watch the WDSU's video on the cover’s creation below.
| | Pictured: Livingston Collegiate Academy Student | |
WDSU Video: Edward Buckles captures New Orleans 20 years after
Hurricane Katrina in new Essence Magazine covers
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Important Upcoming Dates
MAY - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, Military Appreciation Month
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May 1 - National College Decision Day
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May 1 - National School Principals' Day
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May 1 - 7 National Physical Education and Sports Week
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May 2 - School Lunch Hero Day
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May 2 - 4th Annual Teacher Fest
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May 4-10 - Public Service Recognition Week
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May 5-9 - National Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 6 - National Teachers' Day
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May 7 - National School Nurses' Day
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May 9 - 27 School Communicators Day
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May 11 - Mother's Day
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May 13 - OPSB Committee of the Whole
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May 14 - National Receptionist Day
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May 15 - OPSB Business Meeting
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May 17 - Autism Acceptance @ Mahalia Jackson Elementary
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May 18 - National Speech Language Pathologist Day
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May 26 - Memorial Day
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