‘Top Gains’, A schools recognized by APSB

For some time now, Superintendent John Bourque has pushed the idea that there is much good news in public education in Acadia Parish. That idea was on display Monday night during the board’s regular monthly meeting.
In total, eight schools were recognized for their merits, specifically, seven A schools and one Top Gains Schools.
Regarding its sole Top Gains School, Ross Elementary, much has already been said about the school’s growth in the past few years. This past year, Ross saw an 11.2 point gain in its Student Performance Score and a letter grade improvement.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the students, and it wouldn’t be possible without our faculty and staff,” said Ross Elementary Principal Paula Cutrera. “I am so happy and pleased to be working at an establishment like Ross Elementary.”
Seemingly, Ross brought their entire faculty and staff as all were proud to attend the board meeting and celebrate another great accomplishment by the school.
Letter grades are a function of the state’s SPS assessed to each school by the Louisiana Department of Education. The SPS scale ranges from zero to 150, with schools earning an A the 100-point or higher mark. Earning the distinction of an A school in Acadia Parish this year were Egan Elementary, Iota Middle, Iota High, Mermentau Elementary, Mire Elementary, Morse Elementary and Richard Elementary.
Richard earned an SPS of 107.3, the highest in the Acadia school district. It was followed closely by Mermentau with a 107.1. Egan earned a 106.1, Mire earned a 102.5, Morse earned a 102.1, Iota High earned a 100.8 and Iota Middle earned a 100.7.
“I’m so thrilled, I can’t tell you how excited I am [for Iota High],” said Iota High Principal Cindy Abshire.
“I congratulate all of Acadia Parish, I think we all did a pretty good job.”
With Richard posting the parish’s best score and Mermentau and Egan following close behind, it’s no surprise that both schools announced they were aiming for Richard’s score and position.
For other schools, like Morse, the A achievement was a several-year process that the school wants to hold on to tightly.
“I do want to give honor where honor is due tonight,” said Sheila Reed, Morse Elementary principal. “This was obtained under the leadership of Mrs. Linda Wilkerson [former Morse principal].
Reed served as instructional assistant last year with Wilkerson as principal.
“We’re going to work really hard to stay in this A group. We’ve been working for a few years to get here.”
But all principals spoke of the team effort it takes to make an A school and were eager to show off their faculty and staff, both in attendance and those unable to make it.
During the superintendent’s comments, Bourque once again expressed his congratulations for all of the schools accomplishments.
“I think tonight was a good example [of schools doing good things],” he said. “The compassion you heard from these principals and teachers for teaching our children can be heard at all schools.”