The District Digest

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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NOLA Public Schools Hosted An Evening With Education, Powered by New Schools for New Orleans

Dear NOLA-PS Families, Students, and Community,

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us for An Evening With Education last Thursday, at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Powered by New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO), this gathering was a powerful reminder of what we could achieve when we come together around our shared commitment to student success. Whether you are a school leader, educator, elected official, family member, or community partner, your presence and participation made the evening truly special. I appreciated the time you took to engage in meaningful conversations, share your insights, and connect with one another. It's through these collaborations that we continue to build a stronger system for our children.

It was an inspiring evening as we gathered during the midst of election season to focus on the future of our public schools. We networked, shared stories, and discussed how we can all contribute to making New Orleans a place where every child has the support they need to succeed academically and beyond.

I opened the night by reaffirming our district's dedication to excellence in education, emphasizing that when we collaborate, NOLA Public Schools will be the gold standard— the destination for education in New Orleans, the highest performing district in Louisiana, and a national model of excellence. Every school will be the best choice for families, ensuring every child can grow, achieve and reach their greatest potential.

The first panel, moderated by our Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jawan Brown-Alexander, explored the connections between education, community, and local leadership. Panelists shared data-driven insights, real-life successes and challenges, and strategies to drive student progress across early learning, K-12, and career pathways. We heard from:

Jerel Bryant, CEO of Collegiate Academies
Dr. Tammi Griffin-Major, CEO of Algiers Charter School Association
Rochelle Wilcox, Executive Director of Wilcox Academy
Dana Peterson, CEO of New Schools for New Orleans
Dr. Nancy Turner, TeachNOLA/TNTP Program Director
Dominique Simone, CEO of AlignEd
Claire Jecklin, CEO of New Orleans Career Center

Their discussion highlighted the importance of working together to address needs and celebrate wins, all with our students at the center.

A highlight of the night was the Candidate Conversation, moderated by WDSU News Anchor Gina Swanson, featuring mayoral candidates Royce Duplessis and Oliver Thomas. They shared their visions for the mayor's role in supporting education, including ways to strengthen family supports, advance key priorities, and partner with NOLA-PS and the Orleans Parish School Board. It was a candid exchange that showed how city leadership can help create more opportunities for our young people.

Events like this strengthen our community bonds and keep education front and center. By coming together around facts, experiences, and common goals, we demonstrate New Orleans' resilience and determination to build a brighter future for every child. I'm grateful to all who attended, including our School Board members, school leaders, educators, and partners, for making it a success.

To see a highlight video of the event, click here. To watch the entire event, click the image/video below. To see a brief recap on WDSU, click here.

Building on the momentum we've created around student success, I was honored to present and join a panel at the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court and Families in Need of Services (FINS) 2nd Annual Eliminating Truancy Conference II: Ideas to Action. This gathering brought together dedicated leaders to strengthen school attendance and public safety.

In the opening session, "Absenteeism and Truancy: Understanding the Stakes," I discussed these issues alongside Judge Ranord J. Darensburg and Dr. Sharon Latten-Clark, Charter Director of Sophie B. Wright High School and BESE District 2 Representative. We explored how strong attendance predicts long-term success, and the far-reaching academic, social, and behavioral effects of chronic absenteeism—not just on students, but on families, schools, and our community. Even one student's absence can disrupt classrooms, lower school performance, and impact workforce readiness and overall well-being.

This reinforced our shared call to action: tackling absenteeism through strong partnerships, early interventions, and clear accountability, ensuring every child arrives ready to learn and succeed.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work to make every school a place where students can grow, achieve, and thrive. Let's keep the momentum going! I'm looking forward to more opportunities to partner with you in the days ahead. As we move forward, let's continue focusing on accountability, transparency, and high expectations to deliver the best for our students every day.

Forward, together!

Dr. Fateama Fulmore

Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools

Every Day Counts!

September marked Attendance Awareness Month, and NOLA Public Schools couldn't be more excited with the strong momentum we're building through our Every Day Counts campaign that encourages our students to achieve a 95% attendance goal or as we like to say #StriveFor95!

On September 10, the district launched its new Attendance Hearing Office, and it's fielded four referrals. Our School Support Team, including our dedicated Attendance Hearing Officers, is hitting the ground running with visits to campuses, offering hands-on guidance where it's needed most. NOLA-PS is spreading the word far and wide through bold billboards along I-10 and the West Bank, driving home the message: Every Day Counts—#AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow.

We're keeping the excitement going with our engaging Fine Arts Contest, led by our Director of Fine Arts, Asia Muhaimin. Let's encourage our students to get creative—older grades can design digital billboard, while our younger ones can craft short PSAs to promote consistent attendance. Teachers and students can find all the details and flyers in the charter school newsletter.

We've also rolled out attendance pledge cards customized for families, district staff, school leaders, and beyond. At the launch, 25 pledges were signed right away, committing to real steps that make a difference. We encourage you to pick one up at your school and add your voice to this growing movement.

As we work hand in hand, NOLA-PS is fostering habits that open doors that help our students grow, achieve, and thrive. Let's keep pushing forward. Every day truly counts!

NOLA-PS Charter Renewal Update

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) hosted three Fall 2025 Community Charter Renewal Meetings to share updates on this essential process that ensures our charter schools remain accountable for delivering a high-quality education to our students.

Charter renewals evaluate school performance using our locally developed School Performance Renewal Index (SPRI), which prioritizes student growth over the state's SPS formula. This helps us focus on progress where it counts most.

For most schools, it examines the average of the last two years' SPS data (or the better of the most recent year vs. the average for first-contract schools). We also assess organizational and financial effectiveness which can impact whether a school is eligible for renewal as well as the length of the renewal term. Renewal terms have a base of 3-10 years, adjustable for strong performance or concerns—e.g., earning full term for A's or reduced for needs.

The following thirteen schools are up for renewal:

Arthur Ashe Charter School
Audubon Gentilly Charter School
Booker T. Washington High School
Dorothy Height Charter School
Edward Hynes Charter School at Parkview
Homer Plessy Community School
KIPP Believe
KIPP Central City
KIPP Morial
Langston Hughes Charter Academy
FirstLine Schools (including all campuses)
Livingston Collegiate Academy
Morris Jeff Community School
Young Audiences at Crocker

Based on preliminary data, most if not all our schools are projected for the regular renewal pathway (C or better in SPRI and Progress Index, eligible for 3-to-10-year terms). Final decisions will be made during a special board meeting Dec. 11 at 5:30 PM in our boardroom at 2401 Westbend Parkway if SPS scores are released by the Louisiana Department of Education in sufficient time.

To watch a recap of a Renewal Community Meeting, click here.

Friendly Reminder About the 2026 Accountability System

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is gearing up for the Louisiana Department of Education’s new “Grow. Achieve. Thrive.” accountability system, set to launch in Fall 2026 using 2025-2026 data.

This clear, 100-point system focuses student growth, proficiency, and college/career readiness.

Learn how NOLA-PS is integrating this into our Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF) here! For details on the state system, click this link.

NOLA-PS and Lipscomb University Partner to Boost School Psychologist Pipeline

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) announced a transformative partnership with Lipscomb University to address the critical shortage of school psychologists in Orleans Parish. With the national average ratio of school psychologists to students at 1:1,127—far exceeding the recommended 1:500 by the National Association of School Psychologists—this initiative is a vital step toward ensuring our students receive essential mental health and academic support.

“This partnership couldn't come at a better time, and I’m incredibly proud of our NOLA-PS team for their hard work in bringing this vision to life," said Dr. Fateama Fulmore, Superintendent of NOLA Public Schools. "We've seen firsthand how the shortage of school psychologists impacts our students and families, and teaming up with Lipscomb University is going to make a real difference. It's about giving our students the tools they need to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in life. I'm excited to see this program grow and support our school community in meaningful ways."

The program will train highly qualified school psychologists to enhance pupil appraisal services and meet the growing demand for mental health professionals in our schools. We proudly congratulate the inaugural cohort, who began their Fall Semester in August: Kristin Castilla, Channel Huff, Ariane Jones-Pierre, Brittney Lewis, Brittany Lofton, Julia McGavran, Darleen Mipro, and Natalia Skef-Promoslovsky. These dedicated professionals are poised to make a lasting impact.

Join us in celebrating this milestone as we work together to create an environment where every student can thrive!

Strategic Plan of Action Spotlight

Commitment 4 - Operational Excellence: Leadership Evolve PD Ignites Growth in Our Central Office

As NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) continues to advance our Commitment 4: Operational Excellence, we're delighted to highlight a milestone that brings us closer to Goal 4.8: establishing and refining a central office organizational and operational plan that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness in alignment with our strategic plan of action and board policies. This goal, set to evolve annually through June 2028, is fueled by key strategies like delivering ongoing professional development opportunities to sharpen skills, deepen knowledge, and align our central office staff with the District's most pressing goals and initiatives.

Last month, we took a bold step forward by hosting our inaugural Leadership Evolve Professional Development (PD) conference for all central office staff. This full-day event was a powerhouse of growth, connection, and collaborative learning, designed entirely around feedback from our team on the areas where we most want to learn and expand.

Staff dove into five dynamic sessions per person, spanning a wide range of topics, such as:

Technical expertise and team building to boost day-to-day collaboration.
Superintendent roundtables focused on organizational culture and leadership effectiveness, providing direct feedback channels to refine our operations.
AI and technology tools to harness innovative solutions for greater efficiency.
Health and wellness sessions to support our team's well-being amid demanding roles.
District initiatives deep dives to ensure every effort ties back to our strategic priorities.

The energy was electric, with attendees actively engaging in breakout discussions and hands-on learning. This event isn't just a one-off; it will become a cornerstone of our ongoing commitment to professional growth, directly advancing Goal 4.8 by empowering our central office staff to operate with sharper focus and renewed vigor.

To see a video recap of the event, click the video below.

Students in the Spotlight

Travis Hill Schools Celebrates the Triumph of Its Recent Graduates

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is delighted to celebrate the graduation of Ahmad Seals, Di’John Curtis, and Kenny Perry from Travis Hill Schools, a beacon of hope for court-involved youth. Their diplomas reflect not only academic achievement but also the transformative power of education, resilience, and community support. The Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Jawan Brown-Alexander, joined families, friends, educators, and community leaders to honor these remarkable young men, whose journeys embody perseverance and redemption.

Ahmad Seals overcame personal uncertainties, honoring his late uncle by recommitting to education. Once skipping classes, he’s now a role model for his brother, with plans for college and a CDL, making his family proud. Di’John Curtis' inspiring transformation, from the Youth Study Center to the Orleans Justice Center, reflects his focus on self-improvement and gratitude for his teachers, God, and loved ones. Kenny Perry, despite profound family losses and external judgments, found strength in his peers and creative outlets like music class, emerging as a trailblazer for others.

The celebration was filled with joy and tears, especially from the graduates’ mothers, as the Travis Hill community rallied around these young men. Their stories of triumph over adversity inspire us all, proving that with determination and support, bright futures are within reach. Congratulations, Ahmad, Di’John, and Kenny—your strength lights the way for others! Kudos to their families, educators, and the Travis Hill community for their unwavering belief and love.

Pictured from Left to Right: Byron Goodwin, President & CEO of Travis Hill Schools; Di'John Curtis, Kenny Perry, Ahmad Seals, and NOLA-PS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jawan Brown Alexander.

Celebrating Constitution Day with Judge Anderson

What an inspiring way to honor Constitution Day! On September 17, Benjamin Franklin High School welcomed Chief Judge Candace Anderson of Orleans Parish Juvenile Court (OPJC) for an engaging discussion with juniors and seniors. Donning her judicial robe, Judge Anderson brought the Constitution to life, exploring the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, and the vital protections for children—from rights to counsel and against self-incrimination to safeguards during searches.

Through Q&A, she shared powerful stories of juvenile justice: addressing trauma in delinquency cases, the importance of digging deeper into family dynamics, and diversion programs that turn mistakes into growth opportunities. Judge Anderson highlighted successes like adoptions into loving homes and community initiatives, such as the OPJC Closet providing prom dresses to youth in need. She also tackled timely topics like implicit bias, cyberbullying on social media, and the need for modern legislative updates to protect digital privacy.

"Chance favors a prepared mind," she reminded students, encouraging legal careers and civic involvement while stressing that every decision leaves a digital footprint, urging mindful social media choices to ensure bright futures.

A huge thank you to Judge Anderson and the Benjamin Franklin team for fostering these meaningful conversations.

Student Highlights

At Frederick Douglass High School, Bobcats are turning opportunities into reality through their dynamic Career Pathway programs. Take a look at our featured Bobcat, hard at work in the carpentry workshop, crafting with precision and pride. From honing skills in the classroom to preparing for the workplace, students are empowered to excel and build bright futures every day. Go Bobcats!

Collegiate Academies hosted its inaugural Scholar Leader Institute! Over 100 students, hand-selected by their School Leaders, seized this opportunity to grow personally and drive impactful change on their campuses. Thank you, Dillard University, for providing the space to nurture the next generation of college-ready leaders.

FirstLine Schools launched MMW—Mindful, Movement, WOOF—across all its campuses! This innovative program kicks off each day with calming meditations, energizing movement, and WOOF, an anonymous app for students to share their feelings. By fostering intentional, supportive classroom cultures, teachers are prioritizing student well-being, setting the stage for thriving learners fully engaged in their education.

A big shout-out to the John F. Kennedy High School Cougars for their outstanding performance at their first cross country meet of the season! Their student-athletes hit the ground running, showcasing their determination, teamwork, and competitive spirit on the course. From seasoned competitors to first-time racers, the Cougars demonstrated the heart and hustle that make their school community proud. Go Cougars!

Important Upcoming Dates

October: National Principals Month; National Bullying Prevent Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Arts & Humanities Month

Oct. 13 - 17 - National School Lunch Week
Oct. 16 - National Boss' Day
Oct. 20 - 24 - National School Bus Safety Week
Oct. 21 - National Night Out Against Crime
Oct. 27 - National Mentoring Day
Oct. 31 - Halloween

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