Classroom Ready: Assumption Schools prepping for new changes, policies

NAPOLEONVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) — Class is almost in session, and Superintendent of Assumption Schools John Barthelemy said they’re already on top of safety.

“We have a program called Zero Eyes, which is a program that detects any type of weapon detection program, detects any type of weapons on our campuses. Immediate alert, our supervisor, as well as our sheriff department,” he said.

Barthelemy said that although not much happens in the close-knit community, it’s still essential to ensure the well-being of everyone, and that ranges from schools to the bus.

“All of our buses have cameras. We are able to monitor and evaluate anything that goes on the school buses,” said Barthelemy.

At the beginning of the year, the school board moved to close all middle schools in the district, which now allows them to have their first 7-12 grade school. He said this raised concerns for parents about how this would affect their child’s school travel and education. He said, besides location, everything remains the same.

“Now that my kid will be going to a different school or at a different location in the parish, that is one of the biggest challenges that we have. But, you know, in Assumption Parish, we take pride in keeping our kids safe. We take pride in providing a quality education. So, none of that will change,” he said.

AI has been slowly making its way into classrooms in other parishes. Barthelemy said it helps, especially with the plan they already have in place for teachers, but they are ensuring they approach it the right way.

“We’re trying our best to learn as much as we possibly can because we want to make sure that our students are using resources safely,” said Barthelemy.

Among the upgrades, the high school is getting a makeover.

“We have just completed our athletics facilities upgrades. We are currently working at the high school as well as in several other schools,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of his students’ success while working to find ways to help them achieve their goals, such as partnering with colleges, offering internships, and collaborating with local businesses.

“We want our kids to have choices. You know, I always believe that when a kid graduates from high school, he or she should be prepared for their chosen future. So, we just want to make sure that we provide our students with opportunities, but also prepare them for their chosen future,” he said.

He said teachers are also being prepped for success, as they`re expected to get a helpful stipend and potential pay raise for the new school year. With just slight changes in the district, Barthelemy wants to continue striving for better.

“I’m very, very proud of the work that we’ve done over the last few years. But I’m also optimistic about what we can provide, you know, even push our kids to higher heights and raise those achievement levels and just give them opportunity,” he said.

For updates on school start times, policy changes, and rules, click here.

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