As students headed to school for the first day of classes in Ascension Parish public schools Friday, turbulent weather caused system officials to scramble in the early hours to fix power issues at some campuses.

More than 50 parents and educators discussed options for students who attend two west Ascension Parish schools which have been included on the state's list for those that did not meet minimum standards Monday during an informational meeting.

The Ascension Parish school system learned Friday that Donaldsonville High and Lowery Intermediate schools did not meet minimum standards required by the Louisiana Department of Education that is linked to students' performance on standardized tests, attendance and number of dropouts.
 

Deputy Clerk of Court Peggy Denoux and Stacy Sagona demonstrate the election booths during an Election Commissioner's class Wednesday night at the Donaldsonville Courthouse. Elections are set for Oct. 4 and Nov. 4.

Malik Washington learned bike safety from Louisiana State Troopers Thursday morning during a back to school event at the Dream Center Church's west campus located at old Lowery Middle School.

Tpr. Sammy Robinson told participants it is important to have an adult with them when they ride bicycles and to come to a complete stop at stop signs and walk their bike across intersections.
 

The artwork of 46-year-old painter Alvin Batiste of Donaldsonville is celebrated throughout the state for its charm and inspired application.

The E.D. White Historic Site will present Batiste's renowned work in an exhibition forty pieces strong Aug. 15-16.

"The Folk Art of Alvin Batiste" will only be on display for two days, but live painting by Batiste on site enhances the brief celebration.
 

Joycelyn Jagers, resources teachers, welcomes Carlo Harris and Raquel Harris during Lowery Intermediate School's registration and orientation Friday afternoon. All Ascension Parish public schools begin the 2008-09 school year Friday.

Donaldsonville Air Force Junior ROTC was recently selected as one of 70 units out of 879 to receive the 2007-08 Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award with Merit.

Donaldsonville High School is one of only five in the state of Louisiana to receive this award.
 

Less than 24 hours after speaking at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala., Edgard native and former West St. John standout, Tyson Jackson, an LSU senior defensive end, spoke to students at Donaldsonville Louisiana Marine Institute.

Donning LSU's traditional white uniform, Jackson was joined by LSU senior wide receiver, Demetrius Byrd, a Miami native, who sported LSU's limited edition purple jersey with a pelican emblem worn against Tulane last season to assist in Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in New Orleans.

Copies of the proposed revised Ascension Parish Pupil Progression Plan will be available for public viewing at numerous locations throughout the parish, according to a release from Ascension Parish Public Schools.

The plan will be available for viewing at the School Board office, located on Webster Street in Donaldsonville, as well as at Donaldsonville High School, Dutchtown High School, East Ascension High School and St. Amant High School during school hours July 21-Aug. 31.

Five members of the Donaldsonville High School FFA Chapter attended Louisiana's 79th Annual FFA Convention in Monroe June 3-6. 

This year's convention theme was "Blue Jackets/ Bright Futures". 

Attending were James Hood, Jarlen Joseph, William Breaux, Dontrell Davis, and Ryan Whittington. Members were accompanied by Ag Teacher/ FFA Advisor Jeff Templet.

James Hood, a DHS Ag student and FFA member recently attended Louisiana's 79th Annual FFA Convention in Monroe where he was presented a 4th place award for a project he conducted involving his taxidermy business.

Agriscience students conduct what is known as an SAE project.  Its purpose is to provide hands-on experience and/or additional expertise in a subject-related area. 

Eighth graders Ryan Rodrigue, Cade Schexnayder, Brant Theriot, Haley Capello and Kandis Turner crowned Mary during the special month of May when our Blessed Mother is honored.

During a check presentation Tanger recently awarded local schools participating in the TangerBucks fundraising program with generous donations. These schools are going to use the money to purchase an intercom system, computer software, library books, bleachers, fencing, die-cut and poster machine accessories, awards for the Positive Behavior Program, and to put towards an electric reader board! 

"I am trying to lose a couple of inches," Rita Joseph said Saturday morning before Hope Youth Development Inc. first annual bike-a-thon.

Joseph said she enjoys riding her bike early in the morning.

Not far from Joseph, Lester Daggs was pumping air into his sons' bicycles for the trip.

"We ride bikes. We walk. We play soccer," Daggs' wife Michelle said. "Anything for fitness."

The Ascension Parish School Board voted during its regular meeting Tuesday to accept a $176.9 million budget for the 2008-09 school year, but not before adding $400,000 back to the budget for maintenance projects.

The budget - which runs through June 30, 2009 - shows an increase from last year's $154 million budget and a deficit of approximately $5.7 million, according to documentation.