Louisiana school districts hold back-to-school kickoff events

School districts in Louisiana have held kickoff events to prepare employees for the upcoming academic year.

In LaSalle Parish, Superintendent Jon Garrett addressed staff, noting that the district’s four-day school week has contributed to rising test scores, improved attendance, and a decrease in discipline issues.

In St. Charles Parish, the Public School District held its annual ‘Back on the River’ event at the Lafon Performing Arts Center. The session featured keynote speaker Merlyna Mathieu Valentine, a former longtime educator and principal who returned to inspire staff following her recovery from a life-threatening infection that resulted in multiple amputations.