Baja St. Martin

I was so happy to read in the Teche News that the Catahoula school would not be closed. I don’t know all the details, but closing any school is a terrible thing. I know there have been words about closing Stephensville Elementary in the past because of its low attendance and perhaps because of its distance from the rest of the parish. Thank goodness those in favor of closing these schools have not been able to prevail. When kids are young they need the personal attention they can get in a small school.
And since I’m talking about schools and I’m about ready to head out for Florida, let me tell you about Stephensville Elementary. In the first place they publish a very nice newsletter each month which is wonderful. The December letter told how the students are involved in publishing their own books through the Student Treasures Publishing company. The kids write rough drafts, edit and revise, correct spelling and grammar and then send the copies to this company for publication. I have not yet obtained any copy but will after Christmas.
According to the newsletter, the students chose categories – French cheese, United States, swamp animals. They researched their topic, wrote the story and illustrated them. A Mrs. K helped illustrate the cover which said Creative Minds with a scattering of school objects – words, books, etc. This is a pretty neat project and one which it seems many other schools might want to get involved in.
Then there is the TeleMed program which is now in effect at Stephensville. The school nurse can take “pictures” of concerns, send them to the school health center and receive medical attention. Principal Staton says the TeleMed service has improved attendance considerably. Rather than staying home with minor ailments, the kids can sort of “go to the doctor” at school.
The weather this morning from about 2 a.m. until 3 a.m. was horrible. The thunder made the windows in my house rattle and the lightning was crashing and cracking something fierce. So far the electricity has not gone off and I checked the weather channel and it looks like the bad weather is heading north and east. Which, unfortunately, means I may run right into it as I head to Florida.
I’ll make this short and get on my way. Hope you all had a safe, happy, Merry Christmas and that 2016 brings only good things. Oh, and Happy New Year!

Teche News’ Lower St. Martin correspondent, Linda Cooke, can be e-mailed at lindacooke1939@gmail.com.