Staff report
Starting and ending school times for the 2017-2018 school year in St. Landry Parish were set by Superintendent Patrick Jenkins.
Jenkins also addressed a message by letter to all St. Landry Parish school parents concerning a proposed school bus schedule.
All information can be found by viewing the school’s board website, www.slp.k12.la.us.
Students will begin arriving on campus at least thirty minutes prior to start times.
Perimeter High schools which include, Beau Chene, North Central, Northwest, Port Barre High/ Middle, drop off times are at 6:55 a.m. or at the discretion of the principal.
Start time at school are 7:25 a.m, for a car rider. Dismissal times car rider at 2:43 p.m., and bus riders at 2:50 p.m.
Perimeter Junior High schools and elementary schools, which include, Cankton Elementary, Sunset Elementary, Grand Coteau Elementary, Arnaudville Elementary, Leonville Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Washington Elementary, Grand Prairie Elementary, Plaisance Elementary, Lawtell Elementary, Port Barre Elementary and Krotz Springs Elementary.
Droff off for students will be at 7:30 a.m. or at the discretion of the principal. Start time for school is at 8 a.m. Pickup for car rider is at 3:10 p.m. and bus riders is at 3:15 p.m.
Urban High schools, which include Opelousas High, MACA and Eunice High, a drop off time for students is set at 7 a.m. or at the discretion of the principal. Start of school is at 7:30 a.m., with ending school time for shuttle bus is 2:33 p.m., general dismissal at 2:40 p.m., car rider at 2:40 p.m. and bus riders at 2:45 p.m.
Urban elementary and middle schools, and urban junior high schools, which include Northeast Elementary, North Elementary, South St. Elementary, Southwest Elementary, Grolee Elementary, Park Vista Elementary, Opelousas Junior High School, Central Middle, East Elementary, Highland Elementary, Eunice Elementary, Glendale Elementary, and Eunice Junior High School, these schools drop off time are at 7:30 a.m., or at the discretion of the principal.
The start times of school include 8:10 a.m., and dismissal at the school include a car rider at 3:15 p.m., and bus riders at 3:20 p.m.
*The following is a message from Superintendent of St. Landry Parish Schools Patrick Jenkins, addressed to the parents of school children.
“July 18, 2017:
To the Parents of St. Landry Parish School District Students:
I’m writing to address a few of your concerns regarding the proposed school bus schedule that was distributed to principals last week.
First, the document that was distributed to the principals was a draft and changes will be made in the very near future after bus routes have been finalized.
Second, the proposed changes were made for the following reasons:
1. After a thorough review of instructional minutes within the district, it was noted that some schools were not in compliance with instructional minute requirements. The changes will mitigate these concerns.
Bulletin 741 requires that all elementary and secondary students attend school for a minimum of 60,120 minutes per year or 360 instructional minutes daily, or 167 school days annually (excluding absences)
2. Safety –
Separate transportation for High school and Elementary students where feasible.
By adjusting the school times and having tiered routes, we will have age appropriate riders on each route. This will potentially reduce the number of bullying incidents on the bus while students are transported to and from school.
Elementary Principals will not have high school students on their campuses where feasible.
3. Decreased riding time –
Students would spend less time on the road due to the tiered routes. Although students may get out of school a few minutes later, they would return home about the same time.
4. This will alleviate bus crowding.
5. High school students will dismiss earlier which will allow them to attend sporting events and other school activities without missing instructional time.
6. Good stewardship of the parish resources Less money spent on SLPSD transportation which can be spent on academic instruction or school resources
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Lastly, in some of our schools, students were reporting to campuses via bus at 6:30 a.m. This new system will allow our younger students more time to sleep and get valued rest in preparation for the school day. This may also reduce the number of discipline referrals due to a lack of sleep.
“We will work with parents and students to mitigate any hardships that the proposed schedule may cause. We are anticipating releasing the final schedule Tuesday, July 18, 2017.
“Sincerely,
Patrick D. Jenkins, Superintendent