Skip to main content

Acadia Parish School Board

Tall's Tidbits -October 23-31

Posted Date: 10/23/26 (01:02 PM)

Tall's Tidbits

October 23-31

banner with jack-o-lantern filled with candy

All In for Acadia: Strong Start to the Second Nine Weeks

As we begin the second nine weeks of the school year, I am encouraged by the dedication, hard work, and progress taking place throughout Acadia Parish Schools. Each new nine weeks brings an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, set new goals, and continue working together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Our All In for Acadia commitment reminds us that student success is built through excellent instruction, authentic connections, strong foundations, and a clear direction for the future. As we move forward, I encourage our students to stay focused, our teachers and staff to continue inspiring and supporting our children, and our families to remain active partners in their children's education.

October is also recognized as Bullying Prevention Month, where we are reminded that every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and included. Preventing bullying requires all of us to speak up, show kindness, and create school environments where every child feels they belong.

Attendance continues to be one of the most important factors in student success. Every school day matters. When students are present, they have more opportunities to learn, participate, build relationships, and develop the habits that will help them throughout life. I encourage our families to make daily attendance a priority and to work with their schools whenever challenges arise. Together, we can continue striving toward our district's goal of 95% attendance and help every student make the most of each school day.

Of course, a big “boo” of appreciation for all the Halloween celebrations happening across the parish next week! From creative costumes to classroom fun, our schools show how learning and laughter go hand in hand.

I am also excited to recognize and celebrate our Teacher of the Year honorees. These educators represent the outstanding talent, passion, and commitment found throughout Acadia Parish. Their dedication to helping students learn, grow, and reach their potential makes a lasting difference in our classrooms and communities. Congratulations to each of our honorees, and thank you for the meaningful work you do every day on behalf of our children.

As we enter this next chapter of the school year, let us continue to support one another, celebrate our successes, and remain focused on what matters most: providing every student with the opportunity to thrive. Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and community partners for the many ways you contribute to the success of Acadia Parish Schools.
We are All In for Acadia—every student, every school, every day!

Superintendent Carol Tall
 

In this issue:

circular Logo with arrow stating strive for 95%

Will Your School Meet the Goal?

The goal for each school is to Strive for 95% Attendance. Attending school on a regular basis is necessary for learning. Lessons build sequentially day by day and missing a single day creates knowledge gaps that make it harder to catch up.  Routines which include waking up early, getting ready, and showing on time develop lifelong habits to be successful. Students with strong attendance are more likely to graduate from high school. We are monitoring the school's attendance and we are excited to see those who reach 95% goal at the end of October. 
 

Let's Celebrate School Bus Safety Week

National School Bus Safety Week is held from October 19 to October 23, 2026.  Let's honor our bus drivers and transportation staff. 
Key Safety Rules for Students & Families At the Bus Stop:
  • Arrive at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  • Stand 10 feet (5 large steps) away from the edge of the road.
  • Never play, run, or sit near the roadway. 
  • Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. 
  • Always cross in the front of the bus so the driver can see you. 
school bus with stop signs out

Meet our Rice Festival Jr. King and Queen

We would like to thank all of those who represented our schools in the Jr. King and Queen contest and congratulate those who were chosen to represent. 

Your 89th International Rice Festival Jr. King & Queen:

Juddson Cole Higginbotham
Richard Elementary

Hayden Catherine Patin
St. Michael Catholic School

1st Alternate:
Everett Doucet from St. Michael Catholic School
Eleanor Marceaux from Richard Elementary

2nd Alternate:
Josiah Harrison from Martin Petitjean Elementary
Audrey Morgan from Egan Elementary
little boys and girls with crowns holding trophies
Collage of phots of students in parade holding school banners.
 

Congratulations to Teacher of the Year

group of people standing with center one holding flowers

High School Acadia Parish Teacher of the Year

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Mrs. Shelley Rhodes has been named Acadia Parish Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Rhodes is a wonderful example of an outstanding teacher. She gives so much to her students and to RHS. 
group of people with the center person holding flowers

APSB Early Childhood Teacher of the Year

APSB Early Childhood Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Ms. Brandi Melancon for being named the Acadia Parish Schools Early Childhood Teacher of the Year!!!! She teaches PreK at Iota Elementary. 
lady presenting flowers to another who is surprised

APSB Elementary Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Mrs. LaQuanta Evans, teacher at Ross Elementary who was chosen as Elementary Teacher of the Year. 
Group of teachers with administrators honoring teacher of the year

APSB Middle School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Hannah Johnson, middle school teacher at Mire Elementary. 
 

Acadia Schools Celebrate Red Ribbon Week

Every year from October 23 to 31, millions of students, parents, and educators across the United States come together to celebrate National Red Ribbon Week. As the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program, Red Ribbon Week is much more than a series of spirit days at school. It is a unified nationwide movement dedicated to promoting healthy, smart life choices and fostering safe, drug-free communities. 

I encourage each of you to participate in your school's Red Ribbon Week celebrations. Celebrating Red Ribbon Week is all about community engagement and creative expression. 
banner with saying 'say no to drugs' and announcing red ribbon week.
 
Banner with students at park
 
group of students
 
kids dressed in halloween costumes going through drug free zone

Upcoming Events

October 18-24--Digital Citizenship Week
October 18-24--School Bus Safety Week
October 23-31--Red Ribbon Week
October 31--Happy Halloween
Acadia Parish logo-fleur de lis with rice

Important Dates

October 20-APSB Committee Meeting
October 20-APSB College, Armed Services, and Career Day
October 31-Happy Halloween
November 2-Teacher Professional Development Day-No School
November 3-Election Day-No School
 

2026-2027 District Calendar

calendar
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:

  • (337)783-3664
  • www.acadia.k12.la.us