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Louisiana to launch Interactive online tool to help families find, evaluate schools, child care centers

BATON ROUGE, La. - The Louisiana Department of Education today announced the creation of the Louisiana School Finder, an interactive online tool designed to help families more easily locate and evaluate schools and child care centers across the state. The tool, which hosts detailed information about each site's offerings and academic performance, will be unveiled November 7 with the release of the annual school performance scores and the first-ever early childhood performance profiles.
"Louisiana students deserve a high-quality education, and families deserve a system that allows them to find a school or center that best fits their unique child's needs or to evaluate the learning environment of the school or center in which their child is enrolled," said State Superintendent John White. "The Louisiana School Finder makes that possible. We look forward to launching the tool next week and to continuing to collaborate with families, education and community leaders, and partners to ensure its success."
Among its many features, the Louisiana School Finder provides families with:
• school performance scores and early childhood performance ratings that show how well schools and centers are preparing students for the next grade-level
• listings of course offerings, clubs, enrichment and extracurricular activities
• a comparison tool and filters to allow users to customize their search and identify the schools and early childhood centers that are the right fit for their child
• basic information about schools and centers, such as their address, website, hours of operation, and principal or director's name.
The school profiles will include the overall performance scores and traditionally reported metrics like assessment results, graduation rates and college enrollment. In addition, for the first time, data regarding teacher workforce, student discipline, and student attendance will also be included. In subsequent years, the Louisiana School Finder will expand to provide information on student progress and include an interests and opportunities index indicating how schools fare in offering enriching activities to their students.
Early childhood performance profiles are also a new feature this year. The overall performance ratings are derived from an observation-based evaluation system and reported in four categories--Excellent, Proficient, Approaching Proficient and Unsatisfactory. In addition to the overall rating, the performance profiles provide a snapshot of each center's educator workforce, student-to-teacher ratios, and curriculum quality.
The upcoming launch of the Louisiana School Finder comes after more than a year of public discussion and planning. With the implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, Louisiana seized the opportunity to collaborate with educators, parents, business and community leaders statewide to create and report on an improved education system that provides all students with equal access and opportunity to high-quality learning.
Part of that strategy was to create a user-friendly platform able to host a wide array of information on school and center quality, and present that data in a way that was both transparent and easy to understand.
The Louisiana School Finder achieves those goals and more, said Timothy Daly, Founding Partner of EdNavigator, a New Orleans-based nonprofit organization that led conversations about the need for such a tool. The organization is dedicated to helping families and students achieve educational success.
"With some of the sites out there, finding and comparing information about schools is very frustrating. You get the idea that they were built for system insiders, not parents," Daly said. "Louisiana has taken a big step forward by launching a school finder tool that was clearly built with parents in mind. It offers simple, useful information that will help more families understand how schools are doing and make the critical decisions that lead to their children's educational success."
But report cards are only as good as the conversations that go along with them, added Annie Morrison, the Department's Director of Family and Educator Communication. "In partnership with schools across the state, we are prepared to continue conversations with leaders, advocates and families about what these data mean."
To help schools and early childhood centers facilitate these conversations, the Department released a School Finder toolkit for school systems and principals containing a customizable parent night presentation, promotional flyer and animated videos to help educate families on how school performance scores and early childhood ratings are developed.
To access the Louisiana School Finder, visit www.louisianaschools.com starting November 7, 2017.
To access the information and resources on how to use the Louisiana School Finder, visit the "School and Center Performance" page on the Department's website and follow the Department on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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Lillian Marie Levine

Lillian Marie Levine was born on July 28, 1946 in Abbeville, Louisiana to the parentage of the late Cornelius Gage, Sr. and Dora Adams. She accepted Christ at an early age. She attended Louisiana Public Schools and later moved to Dallas, Texas where she worked for Reserve Life Insurance for 28 years as an Audit Clerk. Lillian has fellowshipped with the “Exciting” Singing Hills Baptist Church for over 31 years until her health began to fail. She was always seeking to do ministry work which included Deaconess and Youth Ministry worker at Salem Institutional Baptist Church. She was also involved in a new church start-up ministry at Prairie Creek Senior Living Facility, the Trucker’s Ministry, and the Carswell Prison Ministry all under the “Exciting” Singing Hills Baptist Church membership.
She leaves to celebrate her memories her husband of 54 Years, Louis Levine, Sr.; Four Sons: Steven Ray Levine, Houston, TX, Louis Levine, Jr. (Bridgette) Lancaster, TX, Robert Paul Levine (Pam) Abbeville, LA, and Gregory Levine, Sr. (Kelly) Dallas, TX; Three Sisters: Veronica Gage-Hunter, Austin, Texas, Delta Brailey (Ralph) and Monique Molani both of Abbeville, LA. Ten Brothers: Alex Broussard (Brenda) Carencro, LA, Raymond Broussard, Abbeville, LA, Roy Gage, Sr. (Shirley) Tulsa, OK, Dalton Adams, Lafayette, LA, Carter Adams and Oscar Adams both of Abbeville, LA, Earl Adams (Cynthia) Radcliff, KY, Jeffrey Gage, Abbeville, LA, Ronald Gage and Carl Gage, both of Austin, TX. 13 grandkids: Kennitha Wheatley, Louis Levine III, D’Orasay Zachery, Tiffany Levine, Brandan S. Holmes, Thomesia Hubbard, Kellisia Edwards, Gregory Levine, Jr., Taylor Levine, Tamara Levine, Ian Levine, and Aja Levine; Eight great grandkids as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Lillian was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Siblings preceding her in death: Marcus Broussard, Wayne Adams.
The Wake will be Friday, November 3, 2017 @ 7PM - The “Exciting” Singing Hills Baptist Church – 6550 University Hills Drive – Dallas, Texas 75241
The Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 4, 2017 @ 11AM – The “Exciting” Singing Hills Baptist Church – 6550 University Hills Drive – Dallas, Texas 75241
Golden Gate Funeral Home has been entrusted with her remains. Their address is 4155 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway – Dallas, Texas 75224 – (214) 941-7332.

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Cle’Anne LeBlanc Burke

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Cle’Anne LeBlanc Burke, 83, will be held at 1:00PM Saturday November 4, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Andre’ Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow at LeBlanc Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Erath on Saturday November 4, 2017 from 10:00AM until the time of services with a recitation of Rosary at 11:00AM.
A native and resident of the LeBlanc Community, Mrs. Burke died at 8:20AM Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at her residence. For sixteen years she worked in the cafeteria of Erath High School, and was a member of the Cajun French Music Association and played the triangle. She also enjoyed needle work and painting.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Charles V. “Sonny” Burke 0f LeBlanc; a sons, Patrick Landry of LeBlanc; four daughters, Verna Romero of Scott, Connie Duhon of LeBlanc, Pattie Smith of LeBlanc, and Theresa Richard of LeBlanc; thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Obey P. “T-Man” LeBlanc and Laura Bernard LeBlanc; a son, Darrell Landry; a brother, Walter LeBlanc; and two sisters, Jeannette Broussard and Juanita LeBlanc.
Pallbearers will be, Justin Richard, Travis Duhon, Clayton Landry, Aaron Smith, Jody Osmer, and Joshua Bouillion.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam St. (337)937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

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Demarcus Collins looks down field to pass the football for Iowa Wesleyan last week.

Abbeville's own Demarcus Collins starting QB for Division III college

Abbeville’s own Demarcus Collins is a true freshman at Iowa Wesleyan College, and he is already showing off his talent.
Collins, who graduated from Abbeville High last year where he played quarterback, played in seven games for Iowa Wesleyan. He was named the starting quarterback two weeks ago.
He won his first collegiate start, 24-17, two games ago. This past Saturday, however, Iowa Wesleyan fell to Minnesota Morris 48-41 in a shootout.
The Tigers were up 20-10 at halftime before being outscored 38-21 in the second half.
Collins played all four quarters. He passed for 189 yards, and he also rushed for 90 yards to lead his team.
He threw two long TD passes in the game. One was for 41 yards and another was for 55 yards.
Collins was 11-of-31 passing, with two TDs and one interception.
On the season, Iowa Wesleyan is 2-7.
In eight games, Collins has completed 25 out of 67 passes for 463 yards, five touchdowns and has thrown four interceptions.
He has also rushed for 266 yards on 42 carries and two scored twice.
Collins and the Iowa Wesleyan team end their season Saturday on the road against Westminster College at 1 p.m. in Fulton, Missouri.

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Kaplan tight end Quintlan Cobb (1) goes flying in the air after being hit by North Vermilion linebacker Ryan Broussard. Cobb was able to hang onto the ball when he landed. Looking on is North Vermilion’s Noah LeBlanc (25).

Four Vermilion Parish football teams in great shape to make playoffs

With one more game to play in the regular high school season, it looks like four Vermilion Parish teams will be making the LHSAA playoffs, starting on Nov. 10.
The four teams who are in good shape to make the playoffs are Kaplan and North Vermilion in Class 3A, Vermilion Catholic in Division IV and Gueydan in Class A.
Two of the four teams are expected to have home games in the first round.
The Kaplan Pirates (6-3) are seeded No. 6 in this week’s LHSAA Class 3A power rankings. The top 16 teams play home in the first round.
The North Vermilion Patriots dropped four seeds after falling to Kaplan last week. The Patriots (6-3) are seeded No. 24.
The Abbeville Wildcats (2-7) are seeded No. 36 and they play No. 39 seeded Erath Bobcats (0-9) on Friday.
If the Class 3A playoffs would start today, Kaplan would entertain No. 26 seed Carrol (3-6) in the first round.
North Vermilion would be on the road to play No. 9 West Felciana (8-1) in the first round.
Berwick (6-3) is seeded No. 16 and Patterson is seeded No. 17 (6-3). They could play each other.
A week ago, the Vermilion Catholic Eagles (7-2) were the No. 1 seed in the Division IV ranking.
The Eagles, despite winning, dropped to No. 2. They are on road to battle Central Catholic (5-4), who is seeded No. 12. The top 16 teams make the playoffs in Division IV.
If the playoffs would start today, VC would open against No. 15 St. Frederick (3-6).
Ascension Catholic (7-2) is a No. 3 seed and Opelousas Catholic (7-1) is No. 4 seed.
Lafayette Christian (8-1) is a No. 6 seed.
In Class A, the Gueydan Bears (4-5) are a No. 26 seed.
Last year the top 30 teams in Class A made the playoffs, with the top two seeds getting a bye.
If that would happen this year, Gueydan would travel to play No. 7 seed Basile (6-3) as of today. With one more game left to be played, the power point rankings will change.

Michael Lotief

UL Ragin Cajuns fire Michael Lotief, head softball coach

LAFAYETTE — Following complaints of students and a staff member of the Louisiana Athletics department, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has terminated head softball coach Michael Lotief, effective immediately.
Lotief violated University and UL System policies by subjecting student-athletes and coworkers to violent, vulgar language and verbal and physical assault, creating a hostile learning and working environment.
“Behavior of this nature will not be tolerated,” University President Dr. Joseph Savoie said. “I want to commend the students for coming forward. They exemplified great courage in sharing their stories.”
A national search for a new head softball coach will begin immediately, according to director of Louisiana Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard.

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North Vermilion's Malik Criner (11) is the parish's leading rusher

Vermilion Parish rushing leaders

Player Team Carries Yards TDs
1. Malik Criner NVHS 165 1,270 9
2. Mac Thibeaux Kaplan 157 1,108 8
3. Braylon Romero Kaplan 133 880 4
4. Spencer Broussard Gueydan 80 746 8
5. Mark Clark Gueydan 85 583 5
6. Colt Dooley Delcambre 94 549 6
7. Blaire Broussard Gueydan 84 463 6
8. Deion Williams Abbeville 122 430 4
9. Mason Granger Erath 114 420 3
10. Kalix Broussard VC 85 419 8
12. Tavian Menard Abbeville 71 317 3
13. Tavis Briggs Abbeville 51 259 2
14. Matt Roden Kaplan 48 258 4
15. Chad Celestine Abbeville 57 228 3
16 Jax Thibodeaux Erath 46 205 1
17. Kendrick Baudoin NVHS 22 175 2
18. Dylan Vallecillo Delcambre 26 175 2
19. Creed Rudd NVHS 21 174 3
20. Andre LeBlanc VC 36 170 1
21. Lane Breaux Gueydan 29 147 3

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Jim Bradshaw

Theriot told the south Louisiana story

After Roy R. Theriot died in April 1973, he was remembered as “a dedicated public servant, a one-man state chamber of commerce, and perhaps the foremost messiah of heritage preservation.”
He was also one of the best storytellers these parts have ever seen.
According to A. Otis Hebert Jr., historian and fellow Vermilion Parish native, “One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Acadian people, (Theriot) repeatedly said, ‘is their ability to laugh at themselves.’ No one better typified that trait than did Roy. He had an endless supply of stories that made him the most sought-after speaker in Louisiana.” (Louisiana History: The Journal of the Louisiana Historical Association, Vol. 14, No. 2, Spring, 1973),
His storytelling helped make him a successful politician who was elected and re-elected during the decades when it was necessary for a candidate to be able to gather a crowd at the courthouse steps and keep them there with a stump speech that was both entertaining and politically pleasing.
He was mayor of Abbeville from 1954 to 1960, resigning when he was elected state comptroller during in the second Jimmie Davis administration. He held that office until his death, serving through the eight-year tenure of John McKeithen and the early part of Edwin Edwards’ first term.
Roy Raoul Theriot Sr. came from humble beginnings, and not only remembered them, but was proud of them. He was born June 26, 1914, in Erath to sharecropper Lastie Theriot and the former Emerite Barras. He graduated from Erath High School in 1932, did undergraduate work at UL‑Lafayette (at the time Southwestern Louisiana Institute) and earned his law degree from Tulane in 1939,
The law practice he began that year was interrupted by service during World War II. He came home from the war in 1946, and married Helen Roberts on June 7, 1947. They had three children: Barbara Ellen, Roy Jr., and Sam, who followed his dad into politics and was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1979 to 1996.
Roy organized the Abbeville Dairy Festival, first held in September 1949, and used it as a forum to put his town in the spotlight and to bring an impressive list of national figures to south Louisiana.
Harold Stassen, the perennial Republican presidential candidate, was so impressed with the festival that he arranged an invitation for the Abbeville High School band to perform at the inauguration of President Eisenhower in January 1957.
When Harry Truman came to the festival to campaign for JFK, someone in the crowd shouted, “Give ‘em hell. Harry.” Truman shot back: “I just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” Other special guests included. ambassadors, congressmen, senators, and movie stars, as over the years the festival became a “must attend” event for any Louisiana politician who wanted the south Louisiana vote.
But the event that many people consider Roy’s grandest legacy was the Dejeuner de Bochier Acadien, which he began in 1960 as a treat for his office staff and, as Hebert writes, “grew to an enormous breakfast feast attended by hundreds and hundreds of persons from around the world.”
The event grew because of Theriot’s unbounded devotion to the Louisiana French culture, which Hebert suggests is “Roy’s primary claim to immortality.”
“No one was more devoted to the preservation of Acadian culture — its language, its cuisine. its folklore, its music,” according to Hebert.
That devotion and the many things he did to support it brought Theriot the Legion d’Honeur, the highest award presented to a civilian by the French government. But honors weren’t the reason he did what he did.
He did it because he loved the heritage and culture that had formed him and thought it was essential that they were kept alive. Some people who knew him also suspected that a little bit of it came about just because it was fun to do. He genuinely enjoyed putting on his soirees, and, of course, they gave him the opportunity to stand up and tell a good story.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, Cajuns and Other Characters, is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

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Scott Vallo with his family.

Scott Vallo announces candidacy for Vermilion Parish School Board

GUEYDAN - Long-time Gueydan resident will seek one of eight seats up for grabs in next November’s election.
Gueydan resident, Scott Vallo, community volunteer, former city council member, announced Monday his intention to land one of the eight Vermilion Parish School Board seats up in next November’s general election.
“I would like to take this time to announce my candidacy for District A School Board Member. The election will be held in late 2018 but I am announcing early so that I can begin reaching out to the people of District A.
In the last couple of months I have talked with concerned teachers and parents about the situation with the present school board. During these talks I have remained steadfast in several things. I have always put the teachers and students first. They are the first priority ALWAYS. Secondly, I will not be bullied and talked down to in order to further another person’s agenda. I will fight for each and every teacher and student in the Parish, not just in District A.
My background consists of being a combat Army Veteran and I served on the Gueydan Town Council from 2009-2017. I have the experience and fortitude to back up my promises.
In the next year, I am looking forward to talking to the people of my district as well as the teachers, principals and support staff that impact the children in our school system.
It is time for a change and I believer I am the person for that job.”

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Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548