Spotlight on Southwood Musicians
Tonight, the Board had the privilege of hearing extraordinary performances from the Southwood High School Music and Performing Arts Department, a program with a long-standing tradition of excellence.
Under the leadership of Mr. Holden, now in his 19th year as Department Chair and Director of Bands, the Southwood Band Program has earned 17 consecutive years of superior ratings and was recently named Grand Champion at the Orlandofest National Competition. A special highlight of the evening featured Senior Band President Jada Powell, performing “Sweet Love” with the Southwood Jazz Ensemble.
We were also honored to hear from the Southwood Concert Choir, led by Mr. Anthony Cheathem, who has rebuilt the choir from just eleven students to a thriving ensemble of thirty-three. Their performance of “Come Here Jesus, If You Please” showcased the talent and dedication of these young vocalists.
Thank you to our Southwood musicians for sharing your talents with the Board and our community. Your performances continue to elevate the arts across Caddo Parish.
Today and every day, Caddo Schools is proud to celebrate the simple acts that make a big difference. From a helping hand in the hallway to words of encouragement in the classroom, kindness is at the heart of who we are.
Let’s take a moment to lift each other up, show gratitude, and remember that even the smallest gesture can brighten someone’s day.
Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage and dedication. Their sacrifices have safeguarded the freedoms we enjoy each day.
To all veterans in our community, including the many who serve in Caddo Parish Public Schools classrooms, offices, and on our campuses, thank you for your service and your continued commitment to shaping future generations.
#VeteransDay #CaddoExcellence #EveryOne #EveryDay
We’re proud to announce that C.E. Byrd High School, Captain Shreve High School, Caddo Parish Magnet High School, and Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy have each been named among the Top 50 CLEP High Schools in the Nation by the College Board!
The recognition places Caddo Parish as the only district in Louisiana with four schools honored and among only a handful of districts nationwide to have multiple schools represented.
This national recognition honors schools whose students earned the most college credits through CLEP exams during the 2024–25 school year, helping them get a head start on their future.
Congratulations to:
Elementary Teacher of the Year: Shawn Greer, South Highlands Elementary Magnet School
Middle School Teacher of the Year: Victoria Lacy, Herndon Magnet School
High School Teacher of the Year: Monica Speyrer, C.E. Byrd High School
Each of these outstanding educators embodies what it means to live out Excellence. Every One. Every Day.
This statewide team of educators and leaders is working to modernize Louisiana’s K-12 PE standards, strengthening movement skills, promoting lifelong health, and ensuring every student has access to quality physical education.
Dr. Ellis’s leadership and experience will help shape the future of how students learn the value of fitness and wellness across our state.
These incredible educators have advanced to the district-level competition, representing the very best of Caddo Parish Public Schools. Each brings exceptional dedication, creativity, and passion to their classrooms — inspiring students and colleagues every single day.
Join us in congratulating our outstanding finalists!
Elementary School Division
Jessica Brasfield – North Caddo Elementary/Middle School
Shawn Greer – South Highlands Elementary Magnet School
LaKrystle Hewitt – North Highlands Elementary School
Ashley McCutcheon – A.C. Steere Elementary
Middle School Division
Elaina Guerrero – Caddo Middle Magnet
Victoria Lacy – Herndon Magnet School
Kimberly Samuel – Broadmoor STEM Academy
Brooke Saulsbury – Youree Drive Middle School
High School Division
Sandra Coleman – Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy
Aubrey Garcia – Captain Shreve High School
Stephanie King – Northwood High School
Monica Speyrer – C.E. Byrd High School
We’re so proud of each of you and grateful for all you do to make Excellence. Every One. Every Day. come to life across Caddo!
The ribbon cutting, led by the school’s librarians, celebrated months of hard work and the collective support of families, staff, and community partners who helped make this vision a reality.
We were honored to have both current and former principals of Donnie Bickham join in the celebration, a reminder of the strong legacy of leadership and learning that continues to thrive at the school.
Thank you to everyone who supports Donnie Bickham and invests in creating spaces where our students can learn, dream, and grow.
#ExcellenceEveryOneEveryDay #CaddoProud #DonnieBickhamMiddle
Their input helps us better understand student interests and design programs that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond. Let’s make sure every student has a pathway to success!
#CaddoExcellence #CareerCompass #FutureFocused #EveryOneEveryDay
Our schools have been reaching out with details, and we can’t wait to welcome families for this important time to connect.
Parents are our partners in education, and these conversations help us work together to support every student’s success . This is how we are working together for Excellence. Every One. Every Day.
We hope you were able to rest, recharge, and enjoy your Fall Break! We’ve missed the buzz of our classrooms and the smiles in our hallways! As we return from Fall Break, let’s carry that refreshed spirit into the weeks ahead as we continue learning, growing, and achieving together.
Caddo schools and offices are closed this week as our students and staff take time to rest, reset, and spend time with family.
We’re thankful for everyone who makes our district shine. Enjoy your break and we’ll see you soon!
#ExcellenceEveryOneEveryDay #FallBreak
Today is National Custodian Appreciation Day!
We are so grateful for the incredible custodians across Caddo who keep our campuses clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff every day.
From early mornings to late nights, our custodians go above and beyond to serve our schools and we couldn’t do it without them.
Join us in saying THANK YOU to the hardworking men and women who make a difference in the lives of our students, every single day!
#CustodianAppreciationDay #ExcellenceEveryOneEveryDay
In just 12 months, our district has seen meaningful progress from growing student achievement and expanding workforce development opportunities to strengthening community partnerships and celebrating the successes of our students and staff.
We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the work still ahead. Thank you, Superintendent Burton, for your leadership and commitment to Excellence. Every One. Every Day.
#CaddoExcellence #OneYearAnniversary
Attendance is the foundation of student success.
As we close out Attendance Awareness Month, we’re reminding our community that when students show up, they set themselves up to thrive. Regular attendance helps students stay on track, build strong learning habits, graduate, and be prepared for a future with living-wage opportunities.
Let’s keep working together to make sure our students are in school every day because attendance matters!
#CaddoExcellence #EveryOneEveryDay #AttendanceMatters
What an incredible day as fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and father figures showed up with love and support at Turner’s Million Fathers March! Your presence made a difference, and these photos captured every powerful moment.
A huge thank you to everyone who marched, smiled, and cheered. You modeled exactly what meaningful involvement looks like.
#PrideOfThePines #MillionFathersMarch
At C.E. Byrd High School, students had a special opportunity to hear from Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, who spoke about the Constitution and the fundamental freedoms it protects.
#CaddoExcellence #ConstitutionDay #EveryOneEveryDay
Caddo Parish is now home to NINE Purple Star Schools, a special honor recognizing campuses that go above and beyond to support our military-connected students and their families.
With last night’s recognition, we proudly welcome:
📍 Caddo Middle Magnet
📍 C.E. Byrd High School
📍 Captain Shreve High School
📍 Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary
📍 Fairfield Elementary Magnet
📍 Northwood High School
📍 South Highlands Elementary Magnet
📍 Youree Drive Middle AP Magnet
Together with our first Purple Star campus, Caddo Magnet High, these schools are showing what it means to serve with excellence for every child, every day.
Look for photos to be posted later today from last night's celebration!
#PurpleStarSchools #CaddoExcellence #EveryOneEveryDay #MilitaryConnectedStudents
Caddo is home to 13 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists — the most in our region!
These incredible seniors scored among the top 1% of students in the entire nation on the PSAT, earning them a spot in the prestigious 71st National Merit Scholarship Program.
Join us in celebrating:
Bryce Chandler • Annelise Whited • Maya Trutschl • Ivy Joseph • Elaine Lu • Johnny Zheng • Cruz Balderas • Sutton Hardy • Jai Koticha • Nathan Tatum • Ezekiel Forsythe • Kevin Zhao • Hashir Chatha
This honor is about more than a number. It’s about the dedication, hard work, and excellence our students bring every single day.
#CaddoExcellence #EveryOneEveryDay #NationalMerit
Today, we pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the families forever impacted by the events of September 11, 2001. As we reflect on this day, may we carry forward the lessons of unity, courage, and resilience that continue to inspire our nation.
#NeverForget #PatriotDay
