Author: Emily Gautreaux

LDOE Partners with Scholastic for Free Book Deliveries for Students

The Louisiana Department of Education that the state had partnered with Scholastic to create a new state-funded book literacy program that’s designed to support Louisiana pre-k through 5th-grade students who are not yet reading on grade level. The program was announced via this news release from LDOE., and it is named the Reading Enrichment and Academic Deliverables (READ), and it is designed to provide students who are eligible with the home delivery of free, age-appropriate, high-quality books and other engaging literacy resources.

Jenna Chiasson is the Deputy Superintendent for the Department of Education, and she spoke about the simple process to get started with the program by saying, “Schools are sending home flyers, and these flyers tell parents how to register. They’ll go to the website readla.scholastic.com. They’ll be able to select which type of books they’d like to receive and the books along with some family engagement resources, on how families can do activities related to what they’re reading. This is one of many initiatives that we’re doing right now to support early literacy and also to support families, so we’re excited about this new resource.”

It is estimated that approximately 150,000 students in the state are already eligible for the program, as per LDOE’s estimates. The Department’s release said that the purpose of the program was to give those students in need of the access to books and to also help them “discover the power and joy of reading through book ownership.”

By eliminating the barrier of book access, it is the hope of this program that students will be able to improve their individualized literacy to strive and get on grade level. This is also possible because families who are program-eligiblewill be able to select the topics of the books that they will be receiving. This ensures that students will be more inclined to benefit from the program if the books that they are receiving are of interest to them. Additionally, each book that is sent as a part of the program will also include a resource to assist the child to learn by aiding in building reading skills and confidence connected to each book. Because these resources are developed by Scholastic, the publisher of the books, it is virtually assured that these reading resources will be most beneficial for the students to individually connect with these books in the development of their reading goals.

This program comes while the LDOE has been placing an emphasis on improving childhood literacy in recent years as well as in the midst of Louisiana schools implementing several new strategies to better identify those students who need extra assistance and to provide more targeted support for those students.

Louisiana saw the literacy scores of kindergarteners fall from 2021-2022 when it was reported that only 39.2% of kindergarteners were reading on grade level when the previous year the rate was around 41.5%; although, all other grades from first through third saw improvements. Nevertheless, programs such as READ will only benefit Louisiana families and students as they are given free books delivered to their homes at no cost to them, fully allowing them to improve their individual reading levels and strive in their future educational endeavors.

This READ program was created as a popular result of ACT 395 of Louisiana’s 2022 Regular Session as well as other legislative appropriations. Families can see if their child registers, learn more about the program, and register their child at http://readla.scholastic.com/.

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Cajun Crawfish Cardinale Recipe

If it’s time to spice things up on your dinner table, consider doing so with this mouthwatering Crawfish Cardinale recipe from Louisiana Cookin that will leave your taste buds dancing. This delicious Cajun dish is packed full of flavor and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get ready to cook up a storm because this dish is about to become a staple at your dinner table.

Crawfish Cardinale is a classic Louisiana dish that is sure to spice up your dinner table. This dish is made with fresh crawfish, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The result is a delicious and hearty meal that will leave you wanting more. It is a popular dish throughout the south and is often served as an appetizer or main course. The perfect accompaniment to Crawfish Cardinale is a bowl of hot, steamed rice or delicious fried fish.

Crawfish Cardinale is a Louisiana dish that originated in the city of New Orleans. It is a popular dish during the Lenten season, and is made with crawfish, shrimp, and crabmeat. The dish is usually served over rice, and is often garnished with green onions and parsley. The origin of the dish is unclear, but it is believed to have been invented in the late 19th century. It was originally invented as a Lenten dish as it contains no meat, but rather seafood and vegetables. The traditional recipe consists of crawfish tails, shrimp, crabmeat, green onions and parsley cooked in butter and garlic until the ingredients are tender. The dish can be served over rice, pasta, or fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of frozen cooked crawfish tails, thawed
  • 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen puff pastry shells, cooked
  • ½ cup of minced shallots
  • ¼ cup of chopped green onion
  • ¼ cup of celery, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon of lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups of heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup of salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons of cognac, plus more to serve
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. To begin this delicious recipe, you’ll first want to take a large skillet and melt your butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, you’ll add your shallot, celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook these vegetables until they’re tender and translucent, which should take approximately 3 minutes.
  2. At this point, you’ll stir in your tomato paste and cook for one minute. Then, stir in the all-purpose flour and cook the contents of the skillet while stirring constantly. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes and then gradually whisk in your cream.
  3. Add in your green onions, cognac, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook the contents of the skillet while continuing to stir constantly until everything has thickened, about 4 minutes. Add in your crawfish, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Serve this dish over your prepared pastry shells that you’ve cooked according to the package’s directions, and consider garnishing with a drizzle of cognac and parsley, if desired.
  5. Enjoy!

 Note:

There are many ways to change up this recipe to suit your taste. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the roux. You can also add other seafood like shrimp or crab meat to the dish. If you want a heartier meal, serve it over rice instead of pasta. No matter how you make it, this Crawfish Cardinale recipe is sure to be a hit.

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The Ultimate Caribbean Island Vacation Experiences

Welcome to the Caribbean where crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture collide. This tropical paradise is home to some of the world’s most stunning islands that are just begging to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Caribbean has something for everyone. Thanks to this travel blog post from Travel + Leisure, you’ll be able to survey some of the best island vacation experiences in the Caribbean that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. So sit back, grab your sun hat, and get ready to discover your very own slice of paradise in this breathtaking region.

A Caribbean vacation is the perfect way to escape the winter blues and enjoy some sun, sand, and sea. But with so many islands to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go. To help you narrow down your options, Travel + Leisure has put together a list of what to expect from a Caribbean vacation. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach retreat or an action-packed adventure, there’s an island in the Caribbean that’s perfect for you. And with so many different cultures and activities to experience, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation.

Picking the Right Caribbean Island for Your Trip

When it comes to planning a Caribbean island vacation, there are so many amazing destinations to choose from. So how do you pick the right one for your trip? Here are a few things to consider:

  • What kind of activities do you want to do on your vacation? If you’re looking for a mix of beach time and adventure, then places like Jamaica or the Bahamas may be perfect for you. If you’re mostly interested in relaxing on the beach, then Turks and Caicos or the Virgin Islands might be more your speed.
  • How long do you want to stay? If you’re only planning a quick getaway, then Puerto Rico or Barbados might be good choices since they’re both relatively small islands. But if you’re looking for a longer vacation, then larger islands like Cuba or Hispaniola might be better suited for your needs.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect Caribbean island destination for your next vacation!

Must See Places in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, with its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. There are many different activities and attractions to enjoy on a Caribbean island vacation, but here are some of the must-see places that should not be missed:

  1. The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: These unique geological formations consisting of large granite boulders can be found on the island of Virgin Gorda. Visitors can swim and explore the caves and grottoes formed by the boulders.
  2. Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins, St. Kitts: These ruins are all that remain of a former sugar plantation that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1655. The site is now a national park and visitors can explore the ruins of the mill, as well as the remains of the plantation house and other buildings.
  3. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica: This world-famous beach is renowned for its beauty and its laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or just enjoy the views.
  4. The Pitons, St Lucia: These two towering volcanic peaks are one of the most iconic sights in the Caribbean. They can be seen from many points on the island and make for an impressive backdrop to any vacation photo album!
  5. Harrison’s Cave, Barbados: This stunning cave system features crystal clear pools and breathtaking waterfalls for you to truly experience the other-worldly sights of the Caribbean Islands.

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Baton Rouge to New Orleans Passenger Rail Sees New Progress

The effort to reestablish the passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans has recently been reignited thanks to a decision by federal regulators to approve a merger between Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific, as per this article from Nola.com.

Recently, the United States Surface Transportation Board approved Canadian Pacific’s $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern, meaning that this deal would allow Amtrak to add passenger service on the KCS-owned line between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board said that keeping the agreements to allow Amtrak access to the Louisiana line and a Canadian Pacific-owned line between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario were included in the conditions for approving the merger.

John Spain has been a longtime advocate for passenger rail service and he is also the executive vice president of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Spain spoke about the recent progress by saying, “it was a big, big day. That was probably the last significant decision we were waiting on. Now we’re talking to the partners about where we go from here.”

As of now, the new rail line, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, is expected to be created as soon as April 14th. And though Amtrak has already announced that it wants to add Baton Rouge to New Orleans as one of its new passenger services, the next step in the process is to secure funding for the service.

For over a decade, area economic development officials have supported a passenger rail connection as a key way to help foster growth in the region. That being said, the largest expense in bringing the project to reality is the fact that the 1.8-mile wooden rail bridge over the Bonnet Carre Spillway, where trains currently creep at 10 mph, would need to be replaced, costing an estimated $108 million, would be the largest outlay. The price tag for that work has slowly increased over time; a study from 2014 estimated it to be $62.1 million.

To aid in funding 80% of the cost of replacing the bridge and enhancing railroad crossings, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has submitted grant applications to the federal government. Also, the state has submitted an application for a grant that would cover the majority of the costs of running the train service for the first six years of its existence. This grant would essentially cover 90% of the cost of operations for the first year of service before dropping down by 10% over the next five years. This is meant to help to subsidize the expense of operating the service while the customer base builds in number.

In a joint statement from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and GNO Inc, they called the decision to approve the merger “a powerful, and long-overdue, commitment to link Louisiana’s two largest population centers via passenger-rail service.”

Matt Wolfe, a spokesman for GNO Inc, said that the sheer fact the Canadian Pacific committed to offering passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in late 2021, long before the Kansas City Southern deal was finalized, says a lot about how important the project is to the company. Wolfe went on to say, “this is not a half-baked idea. Canadian Pacific had a strong commitment to it and they’re being held to bring it into service.”

The proposed service would make stops at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Gonzales and LaPlace, and the Electric Depot on Government Street and in the Bluebonnet-Essen-Perkins medical district in Baton Rouge. It would come to an end at the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans, which is close to the Caesars Superdome.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

Teacher Pay Increased by BESE’s New Funding Formula

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) recently unanimously adopted a new statewide K-12 education funding formula for the 2023-24 school year, as per this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education. This new Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula not only aligns with the recommendations made by the Louisiana Department of Education, but it also addresses the key areas of teacher pay, support staff pay, workplace development, and operational costs.

The new formula includes across-the-board salary increases of $2,000 for certified teachers and $1000 for non-certified support staff. Additionally, BESE had approved the addition of a differentiated compensation provision for teacher salaries, established in the MFP formula in the form of a $61 million block grant program.

Under this new provision, school systems would receive money to fund stipends for teachers who are working in critical shortage areas, as defined by BESE. Additionally, stipends can be funded for highly-effective teachers, as defined in state law and BESE policy, teachers working in schools with an economically disadvantaged student population rate of 85% or higher, and teacher leaders working to support their peers.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley commented on the new formula adoption by saying, “I’m pleased to see our MFP proposal move forward with a market-responsive approach for the first time in Louisiana’s history. This will be a statewide game-changer for directly targeting pay toward staffing needs and teacher quality. Business and industry partners frequently shoulder the need for employees trained in career and technical education. Dedicating funding to our school systems specifically to support apprenticeships will encourage this career readiness approach to be lifted across Louisiana.”

Also, BESE added a projected $21.5 million to the MFP to help school systems meet their ever-increasing operational costs. The Board increased the formula’s Mandated Costs Allocation from $100 to $133 per student in order to support health insurance, retirement, transportation, and other operational costs that are incurred by school systems. This reflects the rate of inflation from 2009 when this operational component was last increased.

Additionally, the new MFP formula includes a projected $1.5 million increase to the formula’s Supplemental Course Allocation, dedicated to state-approved apprenticeship programs. These funds would be distributed to school systems based on the number of eligible students and with an enrollment limit of 250 applicants annually across both semesters. Systems that are designated as rural by the United States Census Bureau would also receive $3,500 per enrolled student, and non-rural systems would receive $2,500 per enrolled student.

BESE President Dr. Holly Boffy said, “the formula approved by the Board today supports key priorities for K-12 education in Louisiana. As the first step in the state’s education funding process, BESE’s passage of the MFP formula provides $257 million in teacher pay raises for teachers, including $2,000 for all teachers and another $60 million to meet our greatest staffing challenges in the classroom. The new MFP also increases aid for schools and districts struggling to cover rising expenses, and supports career and technical education through dedicated funding. We look forward to working with our partners in the legislature throughout the budgeting process to ensure that our students and educators receive the financial support they deserve.”

The MFP formula is set to determine the cost of teaching every K-12 public school student in Louisiana. According to the state’s constitution, BESE must create a formula for allocating state funding to public schools and submit it annually to the Louisiana Legislature. The final resolution describing the BESE-approved formula is set to be delivered to the Louisiana Legislature for review. According to state law, the Legislature may accept or reject the BESE-submitted formula but cannot alter it. BESE also asked the legislature to send the formula back to the Board so that a 2.75% increase to the formula’s base per-pupil amount and additional money for dual enrollment programs may be added should the Revenue Estimating Conference recognize additional funds throughout the budget approval process.

For more education-related information, click here.

Visiting Harpers Ferry

Looking for a weekend getaway that’s a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty? Look no further than this travel guide to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia from Southern Living. Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this charming town is steeped in Civil War heritage and surrounded by stunning scenery. From hiking to kayaking to exploring historic sites like John Brown’s Fort and Storer College, there’s no shortage of things to do in Harpers Ferry. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to spend an unforgettable weekend in one of America’s most picturesque towns!

The charming town is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and rafting in the nearby Appalachian Mountains, or exploring the town’s rich history.

There’s no shortage of things to do when spending the weekend in there . In addition to all of the outdoor activities that the area has to offer, there are also a number of historic sites to visit. One of the most popular historic sites in Harpers Ferry is the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The park includes a number of buildings and structures that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, including the home of John Brown. Another popular historic site is St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The church was built in 1833 and is one of the oldest buildings in Harpers Ferry. It’s also been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Other notable historic sites include the Bolivar Heights Battlefield, Storer College, and John Brown’s Fort. All of these sites offer a glimpse into Harpers Ferry’s rich history and are definitely worth a visit if you’re spending the weekend in town.

Harpers Ferry has been an integral part of American history since the eighteenth century, but today Harpers Ferry is home to a number of attractions, such as its Civil War-era arsenal, historic churches, and truly picturesque hiking trails. The town is also home to two National Parks: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Visitors can explore these sites along with other historical buildings, museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and outdoor activity areas.

There are plenty of great places to eat as well! Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, you’ll find something to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a quick bite, there are several fast food and casual dining options available. For something a little more upscale, check out one of the many restaurants located in the historic district. You’ll find everything from American fare to international cuisine. Some of the best eateries in town include Country Cafe, Kelley Farm Kitchen, Snallygaster Cafe, The Rabbit Hole, and Bolivar Bread. Whatever your dining preference, you’re sure to find something to please your palate in Harpers Ferry.

The historic town is also home to a variety of shopping and entertainment options. There are several art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques in the town such as Vintage Lady, Tessoterica, and True Treats. There are many accommodations available for spending the weekend in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. There are hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and camping sites available. Consider checking out the charming accommodations of The Town’s Inn, Rockhaven B&B, or Stonehouse B&B if you’re in town.

Spending the weekend in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia offers a unique and memorable experience. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and abundance of outdoor activities, it is no wonder that this charming town has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Harpers Ferry has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!

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