Volume I - Issue #25

Together in Education Newsletter

4 December 2023

Quote of the Week

"Every day is an opportunity disguised as a challenge."

~Tiki Barber ~

Superintendent's Update

An Amazing Come From Behind Win

If you could attend the Semi-Final Game between Zachary and Dutchtown Friday night, a long night where Zachary was behind 28-13 was made even longer with a rain delay that eventually ended with the game being postponed until 3:00 on Saturday afternoon. With just over a quarter to play, Coach Brewerton, his coaches, and players made a fantastic comeback to tie the game and force overtime and, after stopping a Dutchtown field goal attempt, proceeded to kick a field goal on Zachary’s first possession to win the game 31 to 28.

To achieve this legendary comeback, the entire team had to believe it was possible and harness all the hard work, effort, and dedication that had started many months and even years ago. Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff, and we look forward to cheering you on this weekend!

Go Broncos!

Ben Necaise

The Division I Non-Select Championship Game will take place on Saturday, December 9th at 7:00 pm in the New Orleans Ceaser's Superdome. You can purchase tickets at the Ticketmaster link below.

Ticketmaster Link

Visit the Advocate Article Here

A Tragedy

While we have had much to celebrate over the past few weeks, our school district also received heartbreaking news this weekend. As many of you may know, a Zachary High School student, La'Taurus Smith lost his life this weekend and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. District and school team members will be available to support students and staff as they cope with this loss today and in the future.

Ben Necaise

Academic Update

Access the Academic Update with Live Links Here

Business Office Updates

Action Items

Employee Feedback Survey - Fall Semester 2023

In the Zachary Community School System, we believe in the power of collaboration and the invaluable insights each of you brings to your work. As we continue our journey of continuous improvement, it is essential for us to know your perspectives and experiences so that we can provide appropriate support moving forward.

The survey below is your platform to voice your thoughts, share your experiences, and help us understand how to enhance our workplace together. Your feedback is crucial. It's the key to unlocking our potential as a team and as an organization. Whether celebrating what we do well or identifying areas where we can improve, your honest and constructive feedback will contribute to creating a better, more fulfilling workplace for everyone.

Your responses will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and we want this survey to be a safe space for you to express yourself openly and honestly.

Let us continue Building on Success Together!

Employee Feedback Survey Link

Submit a Future Newsletter Item

Do you know of a celebration, announcement, or event that should be included in the newsletter? If so, you can use the form below to submit future item narratives, links, or visuals.

Submit Future Items Here

District and Departmental Updates

As discussed during our Principal Cohort meeting last week, weekly departmental updates and Key Action items will be placed in the School Leadership OneNote Notebook. District staff, principals, assistant principals, and deans have access to the notebook and can review all posted resources at any time by using the direct link below.

Click Here to Access the School Leadership Notebook

In Our Schools

Stakeholder Advisory Council Meetings - Session #2

Last week we hosted our second round of sessions with our Stakeholder Advisory Groups. The sessions focused on developing short- and long-term goals that could be used by our district team in the future to set clear and identifiable areas for continuous improvement. We look forward as a district team to work first on the goals that were common across all groups, and we appreciate the feedback provided by all of our stakeholders!

This Gifted student at ZELC is exploring the snowfall in some of the world’s coldest and warmest places. He used the Engineering Design Process to create a process for making cold, fluffy snow.

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The 6th-grade Talented Theatre students performed a modern version of "A Christmas Carol" as well as two short skits about overworked Elves and a school-related version of "The Night Before Christmas". The show was performed on November 29th with standing room only after the show had to be postponed due to illnesses. The students did a wonderful job and were thrilled to get to perform for their families, teachers, and friends.

On Nov. 24, 2023, the Southern University and A&M College Army, Navy, and Grambling State University Military Science Departments and Zachary High School’s Army JROTC Program carried the game ball for 50th Annual Bayou Classic game day football over 90 miles from Southern University’s mini-dome to Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA.  The Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets and Midshipmen, embodying resilience, and unity, persist in their 31-year tradition symbolizing strength and camaraderie within the armed forces. This enduring ritual not only showcases physical prowess but also fosters a profound sense of solidarity among the training corps' and two universities, echoing the commitment and fortitude integral to military service. In this challenging feat, three senior training departments and one JROTC high school program honor the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and shared purpose that defines the military community.

At the conclusion of the run to kick off bayou classic weekend 2023, the group of runners were honored and highlighted with melodies from the "One Shot Brass Band". The intent of the celebratory ensemble was to create a vibrant atmosphere that magnifies the collective pride and accomplishment of our Cadets and Midshipmen.

The run commenced at 5:00 AM from the Southern University F.G Clark Activity Center and traveled through seven parishes: East Baton Rouge, Ascension, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Orleans. Louisiana State Police and Local Parish Sheriffs escorted and provided security for the Reserve Officers Training Corps'.

Listed below are the Bronco Battalion cadets and Coppermill elementary students who participated are in the ball carry are:

SFC(ret.) Arenteanis Adams

Kaiman Hardnett

Kaleb Spurlock

Nashir McDaniel

Paul Patrick

Bailie Williams

Jedidyah Barnes

Levi Moore

Devin Mallet

Aiden Moon

Adonis Adams

Alister Adams

Jean-Britt Adams (Coppermill)

Jean-Claire Adams (Coppermill)

Mr. Coats, NES Principal and LACUE Ambassador, represented ZCSD as a presenter at the LACUE (Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators) conference.