First grade is an important year for literacy development as students build the reading and writing skills that will support their learning for years to come📖 As students develop skills in phonics, vocabulary and comprehension, we want to make sure families understand the literacy expectations and the support available to help their children succeed.
Under NPSB’s revised pupil progression plan, first grade students must meet specific literacy proficiency standards for promotion to second grade. Students will have three opportunities to demonstrate proficiency throughout the year.
Parents and families, we encourage you to learn more! Talk with your child’s teacher about their DIBELS 8th results, available resources and ways you can support your child’s literacy development at home.
🔗 Want to help your child become a strong reader? Explore the LDOE's Family Literacy Engagement resources for activities and support in the following link to help build your child’s literacy skills at home: doe.louisiana.gov/families-and-students/family-support-resources/family-literacy-engagement
October is National Principals Month, and we are more than proud to be able to celebrate the dedicated leaders who guide our schools, support our teachers and staff, champion our students, and help create school communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our principals lead with purpose, compassion and commitment each day. They celebrate successes, navigate challenges, encourage their teams and, most importantly, keep students at the heart of all they do.
Please join us in recognizing and thanking our NPSB principals for the countless ways they make a difference in the lives of our students, staff and families! We are grateful for each of you🎉
🌟 L.P. Vaughn Elementary — Carissa Davis
🌟 M.R. Weaver Elementary — Armetrice Williams
🌟 Natchitoches Jr. High — Bobby Benjamin
🌟 Natchitoches Central High School — Micah Coleman
🌟 NSU Elementary Lab School — Caron Coleman
🌟 NSU Middle Lab School — Natalie Ducote
🌟 Natchitoches Magnet — Antavious Roberson
🌟 Provencal Elementary & Jr. High — Dianna Curtis
🌟 Marthaville Elementary & Jr. High — Laura Strahan
🌟 Fairview Alpha Elementary — Brooke Williams Triggs
🌟 Lakeview Jr. & Sr. High School — Chase Stepp
🌟 Natchitoches Provisional Learning Center — Chrystal Davis
💬 Parents, students and staff, drop a positive comment below sharing what you love most about your principal or a special way they have made a difference in your school community!
These two outstanding staff members represent NPSB with pride! They are always willing to lend a helping hand to students and fellow staff members, and they consistently bring a positive attitude to everything they do. We are lucky to have them both!
🌟Kristy Strother: 7th & 8th Grade Math Teacher
With 30 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Strother continues to learn, grow, and find new ways to support her students. As a dedicated 7th and 8th grade math teacher, she brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and experience to her classroom each day. She cares deeply about her students and works hard to help them build confidence, strengthen their skills, and recognize their own potential. Mrs. Strother is committed not only to helping her students succeed in math today, but also to giving them the problem-solving skills, perseverance, and strong foundation they need to be successful in the future.
🌟Samuel Stokes: Talented Music–Piano, Percussion & Guitar
Dr. Stokes is always willing to lend a hand wherever he is needed. From supporting students during WIN to producing Demon News and lending his talents to school activities and events, he has a special ability to meet the diverse needs of our students and our school. Whether he is helping a student, assisting a colleague, or using his musical talents to contribute to the school community, Dr. Stokes consistently steps up with a positive attitude and a willingness to serve. His flexibility, creativity, and dedication make him a valued member of our school team, and his impact can be seen in so many areas beyond the classroom.
Congratulations, Mrs. Strother and Dr. Stokes! Thank you for all that you do for NSU Middle Lab and NPSB. We are proud to celebrate you both!
#TogetherWeCan #NPSB #NSUMiddleLab #AllStarsOfTheMonth #October
Congratulations to NSU E-Lab School teacher, Mrs. Aaliyah Seawood!🌟
Aaliyah has been named one of Northwestern State University’s Outstanding Young Professionals in Education!
Mrs. Seawood currently teaches English/language arts at NSU Elementary Lab School. She has also served as a summer school site coordinator and sponsor/coach of the Natchitoches Central High School Maroon Line.
NSU’s Outstanding Young Professionals in Education award recognizes education graduates age 45 and younger who have at least 10 years of service in education and have made significant contributions to the field and/or their community.
Mrs. Seawood is known for building strong relationships with students, setting high expectations and creating a classroom where every child feels valued and capable of success! Her compassion and commitment to her students make a lasting impact both in and outside the classroom.
We are extremely proud to celebrate her and this amazing recognition! Congratulations, Aaliyah, on this well-deserved honor!🎉
Before the week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to recognize our incredible NPSB custodians in honor of National Custodian Recognition Day!🧹🧽
Our custodians do so much more than keep our schools clean. They help create safe, welcoming, and positive environments where our students and staff can learn, work, and thrive each day.
We are so grateful for the hard work and care they bring to our schools every day. Happy National Custodian Recognition Day to our amazing custodial teams!
Students across NPSB will come together to promote kindness, inclusion, and respect while taking a stand against bullying.
🔹 Students and staff are encouraged to wear blue on this day!
🔹 Each school will participate in a walk or run that works best for its students, whether it’s one lap, a mile, or another fun activity.
This is a great opportunity to remind our students that we stand united against bullying and that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and included. We look forward to seeing everyone participate and showing their support on October 7!
#NPSB #StompOutBullying #NationalBullyingPreventionMonth #ChooseKindness
The water line issue impacting Natchitoches Central High School has been repaired and water service has been restored. School will be back in session tomorrow, Thursday, October 1—just in time for the rest of Homecoming week!
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your patience.
As we close out Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September), we are reminded that caring for our mental health and supporting one another matters every day of the year, not just in September.
Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is simply check in, listen without judgment, offer a little kindness, or remind someone that they are not alone. A small act of compassion can make a big difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to chat online.
🔗 For additional resources and support, visit our Student Services page: npsb.la/page/student-services
#NPSB #TogetherWeCan #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #NPSBCares
The district was previously assured that the planned water main work in the area would not impact Natchitoches Central High School. Unfortunately, the work has impacted the school and resulted in a water outage.
As a result, Natchitoches Central High School will dismiss students beginning at 9AM this morning, Wednesday, September 30.
Buses will be released, and students who drive themselves to school will be permitted to leave. Parents/guardians should make arrangements for students who need to be picked up as soon as possible.
We were notified of the impact this morning and sincerely apologize for the short notice and inconvenience this may cause our students, families, and staff. We understand the disruption this creates and appreciate your patience and understanding.
We will provide additional updates regarding Thursday as more information becomes available.
October's Breakfast and Lunch menus are bringing all of your favorites together in one month. Which day are you most excited for?!
Reminder that all NPSB schools and offices will be out for Fall Break October 12-16.
The water has been restored at Provencal Elementary & Jr. High, and school will be back in session tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29, on its regular schedule.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked through this situation. We look forward to welcoming our students back tomorrow!
Due to a water main break and resulting water outage, Provencal Elementary & Jr. High will be dismissed beginning at 1:30PM this afternoon, Monday, September 28.
Students will be released by bus or through parent pickup. Please make arrangements accordingly ASAP.
We appreciate your understanding and patience. We will provide an update regarding tomorrow as soon as more information becomes available.
On Friday, he stepped back into the classroom to substitute at Natchitoches Central High School, supporting our teachers and students and experiencing firsthand the important work happening in our classrooms.
“Thirteen years I’ve been out of the classroom, and there’s a tendency sometimes the longer you’re out to have a disconnect,” Eloi said. “Trying to bridge that divide and understand what they go through on a day-to-day basis is important.”
This school year, Dr. Eloi will spend one day each month in our schools, lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed and strengthening the connection between our classrooms and central office.
🎥 KALB News Channel 5 recently visited Natchitoches Central to capture his day in the classroom. Check out their video to see Dr. Eloi in action here: https://www.kalb.com/2026/09/25/natchitoches-parish-superintendent-substitute-teach-monthly/
#NPSB #Superintendent #TogetherWeCan
PlaySafe Louisiana is an interactive game that helps students recognize common online predator tactics through realistic gaming and social media scenarios.
In less than 15 minutes, students can:
● Explore 10 quick, real-life scenarios.
● Practice recognizing warning signs and knowing when to stop and report.
● Learn how to make safer choices online.
Parents, this is a great opportunity to start a conversation with your child about online safety and the importance of protecting themselves while gaming and using social media.
🔗 Learn more and explore PlaySafe Louisiana: https://humantrafficking.la.gov/playsafe/
#NPSB #PlaySafeLouisiana #OnlineSafety #StudentSafety #TogetherWeCan
Knowing the warning signs can help us know when to reach out. Sometimes, a student who is struggling may show changes that are easy to overlook. Warning signs can include:
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they normally enjoy
• Noticeable changes in mood, behavior, or personality
• Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless, or like a burden
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Declining school performance or losing interest in school
• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye to people in an unusual way
• Increased use of alcohol or other substances
• Talking about death, dying, or suicide
⚠️ One sign does not necessarily mean someone is thinking about suicide. But when you notice significant changes or have concerns, don't ignore them. Check in, listen without judgment, and connect the student with a trusted adult or mental health professional.
For students: If you notice these signs in yourself or a friend, you don't have to handle it alone. Tell a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, coach, or another trusted adult. Speaking up can help connect you or someone you care about with the support they need.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
#SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth #ChangingTheNarrative #TogetherWeCan #NPSB
If a child, teenager, or friend opens up about something they're struggling with, you don't need to have the perfect words or all the answers. Sometimes, simply listening without judgment and reminding them that they are not alone can make a difference.
For parents and caregivers, make time to check in with your children and let them know they can talk to you about the hard things, too.
For students, remember: you don't have to carry something difficult by yourself. If you're struggling, reach out to a trusted adult — a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, coach, or another adult you feel comfortable talking to.
And if someone comes to you for help, listen, take them seriously, and help connect them with a trusted adult.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat online by visiting 988lifeline.org
#SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth #ChangingTheNarrative #TogetherWeCan #NPSB
Today, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and remember the countless lives forever changed by that day.
We honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, military members, and everyday Americans who came together in the face of tragedy. We remember the families who lost loved ones and the heroes who gave everything to help others.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, may we continue to teach future generations the importance of remembering, honoring, and coming together.
We remember, we honor and we will never forget.
From full-time positions to flexible substitute opportunities, NPSB has a place for you! We’re especially looking for substitute employees to support our schools across the district — and when you apply, you’ll have the opportunity to serve wherever you’re needed!
Substitute pay rates:
📌 Food Service Technicians & Custodians: $60/day
📌 School Nurses: $100/day
📌 Substitute Teachers: $60–$100/day based on education and certification (substitute teacher rates increase after 31 consecutive days)
Find your place at NPSB!
🔗 View all NPSB openings: https://www.npsb.la/page/careers
🔗 Apply for Substitute Teacher positions: https://www.applitrack.com/natchitoches/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Substitute+Teacher&AppliTrackJobId=1537&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1
Required application documents include a letter of support, valid driver’s license and Social Security card, applicable diplomas/transcripts/certifications, and a voided check or direct deposit statement. Background check and drug testing are required.
For questions, contact HR Director Ramona Wynder at Ramona.Wynder@npsb.la.
#NPSB #NowHiring #JoinOurTeam #SubstituteJobOpening #EducationJobs
Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day (9/10), NPSB joins communities across the country in recognizing Suicide Prevention Month and sharing this year’s important theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”🎗️
Changing the narrative starts with making it okay to talk about difficult feelings and reminding our students that they do not have to face those feelings alone.
For parents and caregivers, this can mean creating a safe space for your child to talk and knowing when to reach out for additional support. For students, it means knowing that it is okay to speak up when things feel overwhelming and to reach out to someone you trust.
A conversation with a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, coach, friend, or another trusted adult can be an important first step.
Throughout September, we’ll be sharing reminders and resources to help our NPSB community start conversations, listen without judgment, and support one another.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat online by visiting 988lifeline.org
You are not alone. It’s okay to ask for help.
#SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #ChangingTheNarrative #TogetherWeCan #NPSB
