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,
As the school year winds down, we are brimming with pride and excitement as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students, especially our graduating seniors. Graduation season is a cherished time to honor the resilience, dedication, and hard work of our Class of 2025.
Graduation ceremonies were lively, as families, educators, and community gathered to celebrate our students. The collective joy and excitement resonated through speeches, applause, and the shared smiles of those who've supported their journey. It's a moment of triumph and a testament to the hard work and dreams that have come to fruition.
We have few more graduations to go, and I’m excited to join our board members in attending more ceremonies in the coming days, cheering on our graduates as they take this momentous step.
I'd like to congratulate all our seniors and their families for reaching this incredible milestone!
To all our students, I wish you a safe, joyful, and rejuvenating summer. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success!
Forward, together!
Dr. Fateama Fulmore
Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools
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Forward, Together – Our Entry Plan
Grounded in the richness of our community and shared commitment to our students' success, my entry plan builds on the work we’ve already started while creating space to listen more deeply, collaborate more intentionally, and act more strategically.
The entry plan: “Forward, together!”, reflects both continuity and growth through the areas of engagement excellence, school excellence, operational excellence, and people excellence.
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Engagement Excellence: We will deepen trust and transparency through advisory councils, listening sessions, and clear, school-centered communications. Your input will guide our decisions and strengthen our community.
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School Excellence: Our schools are at the heart of our mission. We will foster high expectations, provide robust support, and build strategic partnerships to ensure every student has the resources to succeed.
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Operational Excellence: By aligning with NOLA-PS Evolve, our strategic plan, we will standardize processes and assess progress to create an efficient, cohesive system that supports our schools and families.
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People Excellence: Our people drive our success. We will strengthen district culture, establish customer service protocols, and improve working conditions at our central office to empower our teams to serve students, schools, and families more effectively.
This plan is designed to ensure our district remains focused on what matters most—our students. With the support of the Orleans Parish School Board, our dedicated staff, school leaders, families, and community partners, we will shape a brighter future for every child. I’m excited about the journey ahead. Forward, together!
To learn more details about the plan, click the picture below.
Sincerely,
Dr. Fateama Fulmore
Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools
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OPSB Approves Deferred Revenue Plan to Support Schools
On behalf of NOLA PS and our community of schools, I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) for their unanimous approval of the Deferred Revenue Plan, providing critical financial support to our schools.
I’m deeply grateful for our dedicated team, especially our CFO’s leadership, and the unwavering support of the Board. For the past seven months, we’ve worked tirelessly with school leaders and partners to address the financial overprojection, securing solutions to support our students and ensure the long-term sustainability of our schools.
To learn more about the Deferred Revenue Plan, please read the full press release here.
Thank you,
Dr. Fateama Fulmore
Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools
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Introducing NOLA-PS' New Deputy Superintendent!
NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is delighted to announce that Dr. Jawan Brown-Alexander, a distinguished New Orleanian and accomplished educator, has been selected as our next Deputy Superintendent for NOLA Public Schools, effective June 23, 2025!
With over 30 years of experience in education, leadership, and community advocacy, Dr. Brown-Alexander is a remarkable addition to our team. Her career spans roles as an instructor, school leader, leadership coach, district administrator, Louisiana State Department official, and consultant. As the former Chief of Schools for New Schools for New Orleans, she led efforts to provide high-quality curriculum, instructional support, and citywide learning communities, driving significant progress in our schools.
Dr. Brown-Alexander’s commitment to community engagement is equally inspiring. She has cultivated partnerships with organizations like Louisiana Economic Development, GNO Inc., the City of New Orleans, and Loyola University, creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. Her initiatives include the New Orleans Freedom Riders Town Hall, small business development programs, and a symposium on the Brown vs. Board of Education decision. Honored with the Young Leadership Council’s Role Model Award, she is a respected voice at local and national conferences.
Dr. Brown-Alexander’s passion for equity and excellence makes her an ideal fit for our team, and her leadership will help us continue to deliver exceptional education for every child in New Orleans.
Dr. Alexander is a proud graduate of Southern University where she earned a bachelor's in English Education, and Xavier University, where she received her master’s and doctoral degrees in educational leadership.
Please join NOLA-PS in warmly welcoming Dr. Brown-Alexander to the NOLA-PS team! Let’s rally around her with the support and enthusiasm that makes our community so special as we move forward together.
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Congratulations to Dr. Thomas Wright on National STEM Award and City Council Honor
We are proud to celebrate Dr. Thomas Wright, a middle school mathematics teacher at Hynes Charter School-Lakeview, who was recently honored by the New Orleans City Council for his exceptional contributions to education. Dr. Wright received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest national honor for K-12 STEM educators, awarded by the National Science Foundation.
As Louisiana’s mathematics recipient, Dr. Wright earns a certificate signed by the President, a $10,000 award, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. With over 15 years in NOLA Public Schools, his innovative teaching has transformed students’ engagement with math. A former Adjunct Professor at the University of New Orleans, Dr. Wright holds a Ph.D., an MBA, a Master’s in Educational Administration, and two undergraduate degrees. His accolades include the 2014 District Teacher of the Year and 2013 New Orleans Saints Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Wright on this well-deserved recognition! He will be further honored at a ceremony hosted by Governor Jeff Landry this summer.
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Hynes Charter School Teacher Named Louisiana Teacher of the Year Finalist
NOLA-PS proudly celebrates 6th grade math teacher Carla Bringier-Mason, selected as a finalist for Louisiana Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education. As one of only nine finalists statewide—and the sole representative from metro New Orleans—Bringier-Mason exemplifies instructional excellence and dedication to student success.
Bringier-Mason will be honored at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala on July 26, 2025, at the National WWII Museum.
Congratulations!
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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.
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NOLA-PS Graduate Wins 2025 Toyota Corolla LE at Stay in School Event!
On May 29, 2025, Jonathan Vazquez, a 17-year-old Morris Jeff High School graduate, won a 2025 Toyota Corolla LE at the 19th annual Stay in School Car Giveaway. Selected from 60 NOLA-PS high school seniors with perfect attendance, Vazquez, set to study Game Programming and Design, as well as Mechanics, celebrated his win.
Vazquez expressed he was stunned to learn he had won. “I felt my heart pounding, nervousness, and it was exciting,” said Vazquez.
NOLA-PS and Premier Automotive Group, with support from Toyota of New Orleans, have awarded a car annually for 19 years, with over 750 students participating. The district would like to thank Troy Duhon and the sponsors for nearly two decades of support for an event that honors and recognizes our students’ commitment.
The 60 finalists gathered at Toyota of New Orleans, receiving $100 Amazon gift cards and donations from All-Star Electric and Mobile-One Auto Sound.
“It’s important to instill the importance of commitment in these students’ lives. It truly determines your success in life,” said Duhon, Premier Automotive’s president.
“Achieving perfect attendance is a remarkable feat,” said OPSB President Katie Baudouin. The school board contributed $3,205 for the vehicle’s taxes, registration, and first-year insurance. Board members Nolan Marshall, KaTrina Chantelle Griffin, and Gabriela Biro presented the check to Vazquez.
Congratulations to Jonathan and all the students who participated!!
| | 2025 Stay in School Winner: 17-year-old Jonathan Vazquez, a graduate of Morris Jeff High School, walked away with a 2025 Toyota Corolla LE for having perfect attendance his senior year. | | OPSB members Gabriela Biro, KaTrina Chantelle Griffin, and Nolan Marshall announced the school board would personally contribute $3,205 to help cover the taxes and registration fees for the vehicle giveaway, as well as the first year of car insurance. | |
Mental Health Awareness Month
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’d like to spotlight our partnership with the ThriveKids Student Wellness Program, a vital partnership with Children’s Hospital, now called Manning Family Children's, addressing the mental health crisis among New Orleans youth.
Operating across 63 school campuses, ThriveKids has delivered 3,815 counseling sessions, 892 advanced psychiatric care visits, and care coordination for nearly 900 students.
With local youth facing trauma at unprecedented rates—PTSD prevalence four times the national average and over half impacted by violence—this program’s early intervention and care coordination are critical in preventing crises and reducing mental health disparities.
We’d like to thank Manning Family Children’s and our schools for helping our youth get the help they need.
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Reflecting on Our Autism Awareness Celebration
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, rescheduled from April due to severe weather, NOLA-PS proudly partnered with the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans for a memorable event on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Mahalia Jackson Elementary.
This special gathering brought together families, students, and various organizations to highlight exceptional local programs and strengthen community connections. It was a heartwarming opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about autism, fostering a spirit of inclusion and support.
Thank you to the NOLA-PS Exceptional Children Services team for helping to host this event. For a full list of specialized programs in the New Orleans area, click here.
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Spotlight on our
Schools & Students
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Celebrating Our 2025 Louisiana Student of the Year Finalists!
Join us in honoring Akshita Sridhar, Jayden Michael Gardere, Janiya Amani Belle, NOLA Public Schools’ finalists for the 2025 Louisiana Student of the Year! Recognized at the Louisiana Department of Education ceremony in Baton Rouge, these outstanding students shine in academic excellence, leadership, and service.
These finalists prove that hard work and high expectations yield extraordinary results. We’re proud of Jayden, Janiya, and Akshita for representing the spirit and strength of NOLA-PS!
| | Pictured from left to right: Akshita Sridhar, Jayden Michael Gardere, Janiya Amani, & Dr. Fulmore | |
Portrait of a Graduate Award Ceremony Celebrates Student Excellence
This year’s Portrait of a Graduate (POG) Award Ceremony brought together students, families, and school leaders to honor the remarkable achievements of students nominated by their school communities for their inspiring POG Pep Talks. Held as a special end-of-year event, the ceremony recognized students from kindergarten through high school who were celebrated at the district's Committee of the Whole meetings throughout the year.
Hosted by the Academics Division, the event was attended by the superintendent and several board members, creating a memorable moment to applaud the dedication and impact of these outstanding students.
Congratulations to all our honorees and their families!
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Huge congratulations to 8th grader Skylar S. from Alice Harte Charter School for scoring a perfect 850 on the Algebra I LEAP Test—the highest in Louisiana! As the first at Harte to achieve this, Skylar’s brilliance shines bright. We’re proud of her excellence and excited for her future at Edna Karr High School as a Karr Cougar!
Morris Jeff's, Marley Duplessis, Shines at State! Congratulations to Marley for being awarded LHSAA 3A State Runner-Up in the Triple Jump! Her stellar 35-foot, 2-inch leap earned her a spot on the podium. NOLA-PS is proud of Marley’s dedication and bright future!
7th Grade Math Scholars Shine!
Big shoutout to Success at Thurgood Marshall's 7th grade math scholars for consistently joining Ms. Moore’s Lunch and Learn enrichment sessions! Your dedication to maximizing every minute is inspiring. We’re excited to see your hard work pay off!
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Celebrating Our Jazz Fest 2025 Stars!
NOLA Public Schools is bursting with pride for our all our schools’ incredible performances at Jazz Fest 2025!
McDonogh 35 Gospel Choir uplifted the Gospel Tent with their soulful voices, continuing their historic legacy as the first high school choir to perform there in the 1970s. Decades later, they’re still making history!
Ben Franklin High School’s Beverly Hills Polo Club, a band of five talented juniors—Ben Blevins ’26, Jonathan Burge ’26, Hank Collins ’26, Evan Roux ’26, and Ezra Terk ’26—rocked Jazz Fest with a joyful, energetic set. Dedicating a song to their AP English teacher, Mr. Swanson, they wowed the crowd and left everyone eager for more!
Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary’s Jazz Orchestra Band & Performing Arts Ensemble dazzled the stage with their creativity and passion. A special shoutout to Performing Arts Coordinators Mr. Miles, Mr. Hendricks, Ms. Hamilton, and Mr. Noah for their outstanding leadership!
Congratulations to all our students and staff for showcasing NOLA-PS excellence at Jazz Fest!
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Important Upcoming Dates
JUNE - Pride Month, National Hunger Awareness Month, National Safety Month
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June 6 - National Hunger Awareness Day
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June 9 - International Children's Day
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June 14 - Flag Day
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June 16 - Father's Day
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June 19 - Juneteenth
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June 20 - Summer Solstice
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