Author: Emily Gautreaux

LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS + CLEP

The amount of Louisiana students earning college credit during high school is on the rise. According to  data collected by the Louisiana Department of Education, more students earned college credit on this past school year’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams than previous years.

CLEP is a program that gives students the possibility to show their understanding of introductory collegiate concepts and earn college credit that applies to various postsecondary institutions nationwide.

State leaders are still in the process of finding the best way to give early college credit opportunities to all Louisiana high school students. The newest pathway is the Dual Enrollment Framework Task Force. This group will study various ways for high school students to earn credits that will count towards not only their high school diploma, but also prerequisites at different postsecondary institutions across the state.

The newly released CLEP data shows how many students are benefitting from the program. The amount of high school students earning college credits has increased by 5 percent since the 2017-2018 school year. Since the program’s conception during the 2014-2015 school year, 558 percent more students have the opportunity for CLEP exams.

The amount of CLEP examinations taken during a school year has also increased. The number of CLEP exams taken during the 2018-2019 school year shows a 52 percent increase from the previous year. Since 2015, the program has seen a 521 percent increase. These new numbers man that Louisiana leads the nation in the number of CLEP exams given to high school students.

In total, high school students from Louisiana earned over 16,000 credit hours in 2019. This saved approximately $7.7 million in college tuition and fees.

If students receive a 50 or higher on their CLEP exam, they could receive from 3 – 12 credits of college-level work before leaving high school. The more credits earned in high school, the less the student will have to pay for at university.

While saving $7.7 million is only an estimate, the amount of money saved is probably higher. This is due to the American Council on Education’s recommendation of college credits for each subject being higher than three credits.

CLEP is only a single way for students to earn college credit during their high school years. Another option is Advanced Placement. The Advanced Placement program offers high school courses with a college-level curriculum. A different alternative would be Dual Enrollment. If a student partakes in dual enrollment, they would simultaneously enroll at both a high school and a college, earning credits at both.

Dual enrollment is the focus of the state’s new Dual Enrollment Framework Task Force. The task force was created during the 2019 Louisiana regular session. The Dual Enrollment Framework Task Force’s main goal will be to evaluate existing laws and policies in regards to early college credit opportunities. They will also collaborate with other state agencies and groups partaking in the same work. The group will then present their results and recommendations to the state’s Senate and House committees on education.

The group’s first meeting was July 24. The next will be September 9.

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Louisiana Parks Worth Making a Visit To

When people think of Louisiana, they don’t often think of the 20 state parks, the state forest, or the wildlife refuge-but they should. The parks, forests, and refuges in the state call themselves home to native species. They preserve a part of the area that would otherwise be forgotten and creates a safe haven for these things to exist. Below are the best parks and forests to visit to experience the part of Louisiana often forgotten.

Kisatchie National Forest

 Kisatchie National Forest is the only national forest in Louisiana. With its headquarters located in Pineville, the forest has over 40 recreational areas and over 100 miles for hiking. Visitors also find themselves picnicking, camping, hunting, horseback riding, or boating.

The forest is also home to two predominant roadless areas. Cunningham Brake and Saline Bayou are both areas designated to protect species native to the area. Cunningham Brake is a large wamp that protects flows into Kisatchie Bayou. Saline Bayou contains various forest types, each having different habitats. These areas were not given roads, as roads can damage forests, prairies, streams, and wetlands. They also do harm to native amphibians and reptiles that migrate to vernal pools.

Kisatchie National Forest lies throughout seven different parishes: Grant, Natchitoches, Winn, Rapides, Vernon, Claiborne, and Webster.

Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle State Park is located right off the coast of Louisiana. The waters from the Gulf of Mexico created the beach. Grand Isle is the breakwater between the Gulf of Mexico and the channels that connect to the bayou tributaries of the Mississippi River. Lots of visitors come to the waters for fishing, swimming, or crabbing. Every July, many visit the beach for the Tarpon Rodeo, a fishing competition. The terrain also offers hiking or sunning for those looking for alternatives to water activities.

Over 280 species of fish call the Grand Isle State Park home. This is also an amazing place to see the Louisiana state bird- the Brown Pelican. For those looking for something a little different, there is a two-and-a-half mile nature trail in the park.

South Toledo Bend State Park

South Toledo Bend State Park is snugly located in the village of Anacoco, Louisiana. The park is located on several bluffs over and into the Toledo Bend Reservoir. For 2015 and 2016, Toledo Bend Reservoir was the nation’s number one bass fishing lake. In addition to bass fishing, visitors also enjoy hiking, cycling, and camping.

Housed in South Toledo Bend State Park are nesting grounds for bald eagles, which have been spotted in the area. The eagles feed from the endless supply of freshwater fish in the Reservoir. The park’s visitor center has an observation deck with a view of the reservoir lake and the islands nearby. Around the center is also a 3,000-foot surface nature trail.

South Toledo Bend is located six miles south of the former Hodges Gardens State Park, which closed in 2018. It is also not far from Natchitoches, Louisiana, which is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.

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Recipe: Tennessee Meatloaf

Craving meatloaf but you’re tired of the same recipe? Thankfully, Allrecipes has provided a unique recipe to offer a delicious change to your idea of meatloaf. This Tennessee Meatloaf will change your view on meatloaf as you know it. The brown sugar glaze is perfect for upcoming holidays. Serve with fresh mashed potatoes and homemade rolls for the perfect dinner.

INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR TENNESSEE MEATLOAF

The Brown Sugar Glaze

The Meatloaf

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1/2 pound of ground veal
  • 1/2 pound of ground pork
  • 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons of prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, Tabasco
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, they need to be slightly beaten
  • 1 onion, chopped up
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped up
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 2/3 cup of quick cooking oats

UTENSILS/TOOLS

  • 2 9X5-inch loaf pans
  • A small mixing bowl
  • A large mixing bowl
  • A covered microwave container
  • Gloves

DIRECTIONS FOR YOUR TEN

The first step is to make the brown sugar glaze. Take a small mixing bow and combine the brown sugar, the cider vinegar, and the ketchup. The most important part is making sure to mix them well. After this, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the cooking spray to spray both of the 9×5-inch loaf pans. Or if you want the pans to be easier to clean, line them with foil.

The next step is to place the chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper into the microwave container. These need to be cooked until they are soft to the touch. This will usually take between 1 to 2 minutes, once it is softened set the container on the side.

In the large mixing bowl, add the hot sauce, mustard, black pepper, garlic, seasoned salt, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, oats, and milk. Make sure to mix this well. Once the ingredients are mixed together, add the cooked green pepper and the cooked onions. Using gloves, mix in the veal, beef, and pork into the bowl. The ingredients need to be thoroughly worked together. Ideally, they would be evenly distributed.

Once the ingredients are mixed together, split the mixture in half. Place each half in a pan. Take a brush and use it to distribute the glaze onto the meatloaf. Make sure to keep a small portion of the glaze to save for later. The meatloaf needs to bake for 50 minutes.

Once the 50 minutes is up, carefully remove the pans from the oven, Drain the fat from the meatloaf. Use the rest of the glaze to put over the meatloaf . Place it back into the oven and let it cook for 10 more minutes. Once the 10 minutes is up, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it stand for about 10 to 15 minutes.

This recipe is easy to follow and pretty easy to make. It should only take about an hour! After that, serve and enjoy!

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River Cruises and What You Need to Know

The industry of river cruise lines really started/took off in Europe and it continues to be a popular vacation trip. Or even just to explore the world, river cruise lines are perfect for those seeking a little bit more of an adventure. Usually everything is included which means less stress and more time to have fun.Travel + Leisure published the Top 10 River Cruise Lines. We are here to focus on one of them. U River Cruises. This unique experience is known to be completely centered around its guest, hence the name “U”. If you are looking for a personal, exciting adventure throughout Europe, U RIver Cruises are the way to go.

U River Cruises

The U River Cruise line offers its visitors a unique experience because they serve those looking for an “authentic adventure”.

Onboard Life

A Silent Disco

Silent is not the first word that comes to mind when someone mentions a disco, but this is not an experience to miss. The DJ plays the music which plays through headphones that everyone has. This means you can take them off to talk to your friends and you don’t have to worry about loud background music.

Camping on the Rooftop

Have you ever wanted to camp under the stars on a river cruise line? U River Cruises give this option and they even provide the tents! Enjoy the outdoors without all of the hassle.

Yoga

This is always a must on vacations. The best way to relax, being on the top deck doing yoga while the sun comes up.

Click here for more information.

Their Ships

The U River Cruise offers 2 different ship options. Both including three different styles of rooms. Ranging from just a place to store your stuff and sleep to a whole suite. There is even the option to share a room with someone. This could be the perfect opportunity for someone who is traveling alone and wants to explore the possibility of meeting someone on the same adventure.

Relaxing on a traveling hotel seems like the best way to see Europe. No need for backpacking when you can just float up to most cities.

Click here for more information.

Dining Options

Worried about what you are going to eat all day? The U Cruise Line has 3 included daily meals during the trip. Each meal often based off of the cities that are visited. There are multiple vegetarian, organic, and healthy options. But who doesn’t like a good burger? U offers a juicy burger and a nice side of fresh fries.

Local street food is also usually served; German Kasekreiner is served whenever it is possible. If there are dietary restrictions the chefs are more than happy to help accommodate their guest.

Click here for more information.

Destinations

 U River Cruises offers 22 different ports of call, 5 different countries, 3 different rivers. Why vacation in one place when you can vacation on a floating hotel that literally brings you to different countries while you relax for the ride. The 5 countries visited are: The Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. Each bringing a different experience and many different options to explore.

Click here for more information.

Click here for the 2019 Mini Brochure.

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Visit Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Louisiana has a lot to offer if you know where to look. One city that can often be forgotten about is the city of Ponchatoula. Often referred to as the “Strawberry Capital of the World” and “America’s Antique City”, this gorgeous Louisiana city is perfect for anyone looking for more adventures in Louisiana. Trip101 published the 5 Best Things to Do In Ponchatoula, Louisiana. We are here to share three of those with you!

A Driving Tour through the Louisiana Northshore Quilt Trail

What is a quilt trail? This unique array of interpretations of quilt blocks that are located on the outside of places like: businesses, homes, fences, post in the yard, barns, and even flower beds.

Ann Boudreaux, a Ponchatoula native, started the Louisiana Northshore Quilt Trail. Boudreaux joined four other women and set off to found the first Louisiana Quilt Trail. Not only is it the perfect way to search for new artists and businesses, but it gives tourists and visitors the perfect reason to drive around the city. The start of the trail begins with the piece “A Colorful Life” and is located in Ponchatoula at 234 SWRR Ave.

For more information visit their website.

The Electric Train Depot

Also located in Ponchatoula, The Electric Train Depot is over 4,000 square feet. This depot offers a huge variety of new and used electric trains. They even offer supplies and accessories to go along. Do you happen to have an electric train that needs to be fixed? The Electric Train Depot has repair services.

You do not need to be interested in electric trains to enjoy the depot. The unbelievable sight of all of the different trains, all different colors and sizes., is sure to impress anyone. They even change the displays so you can go more than once to experience the changes.

There staff is known for their helpful and friendly personalities. So if you don’t know much about electric trains and you would like to, always feel free to ask.

The hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday-Saturday. Visit their website for more information.

The Strawberry Festival

One weekend in April opens up the unlimited options that Ponchatoula’s Strawberry Festival has to offer. Food, fun and entertainment is promised throughout the weekend. Even though it is a small town that doesn’t keep the festival from being the best. There are carnival rides, raffles, and even game booths.

The Strawberry options are unlimited too. Homemade pastries and pies are sure to make your mouth water. Have you ever heard of fried strawberries? Well, you can try them here. If you aren’t really interested in the taste of the fruit; there are non perishable options. Try to grab some strawberry themed crafts and even strawberry themed jewelry.

Saturday is usually the busiest day of the festival. There is a parade; pretty common in Louisiana’s festivals. There is even a concert and a contest for strawberries; named the “Best of the Best”.

You might even be able to take a picture with Ponchatoula’s mascot; the alligator.

Visit their website for more information.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

Louisiana High School Students Offered More Options

Students across Louisiana will soon be able to acquire different skills across various STEM careers, earning college credits along the way. Louisiana Believes tells us more with New Stem-Focused Jump Start Pathways to Provide High Schools with Advanced Skills, College and Career Credentials.

The four new programs are a part of Louisiana’s Jump Start pathways and can earn college credits at Louisiana State University or Xavier University. One of the four has already been approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). The other three have been approved by a BESE subcommittee and only have to be approved by the full board before going into effect.

Jump Start was created by the state of Louisiana to provide high school students with career and technical skills to move into high-demand STEM jobs. The STEM pathway consists of Carnegie credits throughout the STEM field and technical education that could lead to statewide credentials. The four new programs are: Xavier University Pre-Pharmacy, LSU Biomedical Sciences, LSU Computing, and National Integrated Cyber Education Research Cyber Security.

The Xavier University Pre-Pharmacy program was approved by BESE in June. It combines components from both natural sciences and industry practice. The teaching and schooling is to prepare that take this pathway through discussing pharmacy in the classroom and career experience.

  1. The LSU Biomedical Sciences track delves into the world of biomedicine. The pathway spotlights biomedicine to animals and humans. It will give an excellent foundation for students that are aiming for success along the medical track or any other science related field.
  2. The LSU Computing Certification Pathway consists of computer science, computational thinking, and computational science. This pathway is for students that want to find a career in computing.
  3. The National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center Cyber Security track consists of computer science, engineering, and mathematics. The program involves hands on learning and the exchange of knowledge with professionals in a given field. Students evaluate the ins and outs of privacy and security when a lot of communication and interaction is shifting online. They will also study the ethical side of advancement in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous devices.

Students that complete one of the given pathways will also receive a STEM endorsement on their high school diplomas.

The pathways were created by different groups throughout the region last year. They were submitted by the Jump Start Graduation Pathway Review in the spring. The panel is made of members from the Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and the Louisiana Department of Education. Once BESE approves, the pathways are adapted and adopted by Jump Start regional teams.

The Xavier University Pre-Pharmacy Pathway being implemented at the St. John the Baptist Parish STEM Magnet High School. This will make the program the third pathway at the school.

Careers across various STEM fields are the fastest growing not only in the state, but also in the nation. More than half of Louisiana students express an interest in the STEM field, but only ten percent meet the benchmark in showcasing readiness for collegiate level math and science. To counteract this, Louisiana wants to give students the option to experience STEM coursework. They are hoping the four programs assist them in reaching that goal.

For more education related information, click here.