Ascension Public Schools

Ascension Public Schools announces the appointment of Dr. O'Neil L. Robinson as Principal of Donaldsonville High School.? Robinson is a proud graduate of Donaldsonville High School, Class of 1989, and has since dedicated his career to uplifting the community that helped shape him. His academic credentials are impressive, including a dual bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics from Southern University A&M College. He continued his educational journey at Southern, earning a master’s degree in supervision and administration education in 2006 and a master’s degree in pure mathematics in 2019. Most recently, he completed a Ph.D. in science and mathematics education from Southern University, cementing his expertise in STEM education. Robinson’s leadership qualifications are equally strong. He successfully completed the Aspiring Principal Fellowship (2022-2023) through the Louisiana State Department of Education, preparing him for this new role. Over the years, he has served as an 8th-grade math teacher at Lowery Middle School, a secondary math teacher at Donaldsonville High School, and in leadership roles as an assistant principal at Lowery Middle and Donaldsonville High schools. Most recently, he served as the associate principal of Donaldsonville High School, where he helped guide the school’s strategic direction and foster student achievement. Robinson is not only a dedicated educator but also a proud family man. He is married to Dr. Calandra N. Robinson, and they are blessed with a daughter, Ayana Allen. "My mission is to ensure that every student at Donaldsonville High School graduates ready for college and their future careers. When they step into the real world, they will be equipped to achieve great things. We will implement the highest standards of education to prepare them to become outstanding citizens of Donaldsonville, Louisiana,” ?said Robinson. “I want to express my gratitude—Donaldsonville is in my heart, and as a proud alumnus of Donaldsonville High, I am deeply committed to its success." To read the full press release visit AscensionSchools.org.

#ManufacturingDay was a huge success and we wanted to share a few photos of our students learning about exciting future career paths they can take! Thank you to @RiverParishesCommunityCollege for hosting and @BASF for sponsoring.

Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy visited a U.S. History class at the brand new Prairieville High School and led students through a lesson where they could role-play passing a bill as Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. While stopping by he also toured some of the new facilities at the high school. #Excellence #AscendingTogether?

Ascension Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie McKnight as the new Supervisor of Planning and Construction.? A graduate of Louisiana State University, McKnight brings a wealth of experience in operations, project management, and facility improvement. Prior to joining Ascension Public Schools, McKnight served as Operations Manager at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) from 2012 to 2015, where she oversaw key initiatives and systems. Following her time at BRAC, she worked as a Project Analyst for CSRS, leading facility improvement projects and renovations totaling over $500 million for the Louisiana Technical & Community College System (LCTCS). Her extensive experience also includes working with school boards across Louisiana and contributing to major projects such as the Covid-19 Relief efforts at LSU and renewable energy projects. McKnight's experience with Ascension Public Schools began through her work with CSRS, where she played a vital role in the district’s 2016 Flood Recovery Program, 2016 and 2020 Bond Programs, and Hurricane Ida Recovery Program. She has been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous construction and maintenance projects, including the renovations at Gonzales Middle School and the demolition and reconstruction of East Ascension High School’s main building. McKnight resides in Ascension Parish with her husband, Andrew, and their two children, William?and Blaine. "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Supervisor of Planning and Construction. I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the chance to continue working with Ascension Parish in a more permanent role—something I’m truly excited about. I look forward to collaborating closely with my team and the district to build a strong foundation for success across planning, construction, and the vital security department. This is a tremendous opportunity, and I’m eager to see what the future holds as we work together to move the district forward," said McKnight. To read the full press release visit AscensionSchools.org.

Last night at our school board meeting, the Ascension Retired Teachers Association awarded $500 grants to nine teacher interns serving in Ascension Public Schools. Congratulations to these future educators. We cannot wait to see where their teaching journeys take them! Pictured from left: Aubrie Easterly, MiKayla Nijoka, Olivia Healy, Faith Madere, Sydni Harris, Dr. Edith M. Walker, Donald Songy, BriAnn Perkins, Iva Tullier, Carli Aucoin Not Pictured: Gabriella Hendricks and Ravyn Johnlouis #1TeamAscension #Excellence #AscendingTogether

We had a great time at our Career & College Expo last night! Thank you to all the businesses, colleges, and our students who came out despite the weather. #1TeamAscension #Excellence #AscendingTogether

ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REOPEN MONDAY, SEPT. 16, 2024 We are pleased to announce that Ascension Public Schools will resume normal operations on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, following the closures caused by Hurricane Francine. All schools and offices have regained power and have been thoroughly inspected by our staff to ensure they are safe and fully operational for the return of students and staff. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated employees who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to prepare our campuses. Additionally, we are incredibly grateful to the energy workers who worked around the clock to restore power in our community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday and appreciate your continued support.? For all official decisions regarding school operations, please visit our website, AscensionSchools.org.

ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REMAIN CLOSED ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 13, 2024 Due to the widespread power outages across our parish from Hurricane Francine, Ascension Public Schools will remain closed on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Currently, 17 of 32 schools are without power, and this morning 38,000 (79%) of Ascension households did not have power. We will use this time to fully assess and address any issues in our buildings so that we can reopen safely on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Even if power returns today, we will use this time with appropriate employees to make sure technology and all systems are fully operational and safe for students and staff to return. Please note, extracurricular events will be determined at the school level and will be communicated directly by each principal. We wish all of our students, employees, and their families a safe recovery following the storm. For all official decisions regarding school operations, please visit our website, AscensionSchools.org.

As Hurricane Francine approaches, we want to wish you and your families safety during the storm. Please remember that all schools will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, during the storm, and also on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, to allow us time to assess our campuses for any necessary repairs or safety measures. We plan to welcome students back on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, and return to normal operations. Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon! As always, please refer to our website, AscensionSchools.org, for official decisions regarding school operations.

Ascension Public Schools is proud to announce two new leadership appointments; Eve Frederic as Director of Primary Schools, a new, second director position created to support a growing student population, and Christy Scott as the new, second Assistant Principal at Galvez Primary. DIRECTOR OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS Eve Frederic is a new Director of Primary Schools. Frederic began her career in 1992 at Dutchtown Primary, where she spent 16 years as a first-grade self-contained teacher and one year as a fourth-grade teacher before transitioning into leadership roles. She served as an instructional coach for three years, and then as an assistant principal for five years. Her passion for education led her to Oak Grove Primary, where she served as principal for three years, and most recently, she spent the past five years as Primary School Supervisor. Frederic holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Louisiana State University. GALVEZ PRIMARY ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Christy Scott is a new Assistant Principal at Galvez Primary. Scott earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Nicholls State University and a master's degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education. Before joining Ascension Public Schools, Scott worked in Terrebonne Parish as a classroom teacher. She furthered her skills in Lafourche Parish, where she served as a classroom teacher, mentor teacher, master teacher, and administrative assistant. She also contributed her expertise as a District Master Teacher in Assumption Parish, playing a pivotal role in improving educational standards and teacher development. Scott's journey with Ascension Public Schools began as a 2nd-grade teacher and Mentor Teacher at Donaldsonville Primary, where she was instrumental in fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Her leadership skills were further showcased during her tenure as a Master Teacher at Gonzales Middle School.? To read the full press release visit AscensionSchools.org.