By Josh Beavers
School is back in session as students file into our institutes of learning today all across the parish.
It’s been a busy time for teachers as they held professional development the first three days of the week as well as intermittent training over the summer.
The parish kicked off the week with the annual Back to School Bash, held this year at the Harper Center Pathways for Excellence and the Springhill branch of the Webster Parish Library.
Each year the Webster Parish School Board holds the Back to School Bash coordinated by Ursula Hullaby, Safe and Drug Free School Coordinator, with assistance from community volunteers. Traditionally, the event is held at the Minden Civic Center. COVID-19 guidelines required the transition to a drive through on both ends of the parish.
Webster Junior High High School teachers and staff, as well as representatives from other schools, greeted students and families while passing out school supplies.
“I’m excited about the upcoming school year,” Webster Principal Bewanichi Sheppard told The Journal. “The faculty and staff demonstrated how the Webster Wolves are better together. This year we will focus on Keeping it 100 to get to 100!”
Superintendent Johnny Rowland gave his annual State of the District address to the parish on Tuesday. The address was delivered virtually this year because, as he has said before, “we may be done with Covid, but Covid is not done with us.”
Rowland said he was excited for the return to learning and back to serving the thousands of students who attend Webster schools.
“I believe our students and families need us now more than ever,” he said. “We have a great task in front of us. I hope it is a task we do not shy away from but a task we embrace.”
Rowland spoke of educating the whole child in his remarks.
“I challenge every employee in the district to ask themselves ‘how can I better serve the students of Webster Parish through the position I hold?’” he continued. “And then do everything in your power to do so.”
