YEAR OF THE HEALTHLY CHILD RECIPE CONTEST.
Submit to win $$ and your recipe will be served in Caddo & Bossier Lunchrooms.
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DYSLEXIA CONFERENCE - October 1 @ Broadmoor Middle School
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Fantastic Mr. Fox opens THIS WEEKEND!
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Gymboree Play & Music opens playspace to playgroups and moms groups
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FREE ONLINE Tutors from Homework Louisiana
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Just as I am getting into the groove of my girls' 2011-12 school year (yes, it takes me a good 6 wks), the stress begins for many parents with Magnet hopes for 2012-2013. Elementary Magnet Schools in Caddo Parish begin open houses EARLY - next week. Open houses are offered before applications are accepted to help parents with school selection, to find the best fit for their children and family.

If you have a child that will be transitioning next year, this eNewsletter is for you. I hope that you will attend as many open houses as possible between now and May to make informed decisions for your family.We'll continue to post school open houses to the EVENTS CALENDAR as we learn about them.

For the parents that seek alternatives to magnet schools, we've got them, too. Private and neighborhood schools usually host open houses, round-ups and begin enrollment beginning in January for the following school year. Keep checking the EVENTS CALENDAR for more dates.

-Allison Cate

Submit an Open House to the Events Calendar.

View all EVENTS on the EVENTS CALENDAR>>>

CADDO MAGNET SCHOOLS:

• C.E. Byrd High Math & Science Magnet
• Caddo Middle Magnet
• Caddo Magnet High
• Captain Shreve High Engineering & Liberal Arts Magnet
• Claiborne Fundamental Elementary Magnet
• Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary Magnet
• Fairfield Elementary Magnet
• Herndon Elementary and Middle Magnet
• Judson Fundamental Elementary Magnet
• South Highlands Academic Performing Arts Magnet

NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS WITH MAGNET COMPONENTS

Caddo Middle Career & Technology School
Telephone: (318) 868-2753

Broadmoor Middle School
Math/Science Magnet Component
Telephone: (318) 861-6203

Keithville Middle School
Math/Science Technology Magnet Component
Telephone (318) 925-1005

Math Science Magnet Middle School
Telephone: (318) 621-9724

Oil City Environmental Magnet School
Telephone: (318) 995-6654

Vivian Elementary/ Middle Magnet School (Core Knowledge)
Telephone: (318) 375-3272

Youree Drive Middle School
Middle Advanced Magnet Component
Telephone: (318) 868-5324

Concepts Covered on the Tests
The concepts tested are encountered in daily life, in preschool and in kindergarten. A child's understanding of these concepts sets the foundation for learning, and is necessary to succeed in a classroom setting.

The concepts covered include, but are not limited to:

• Identifying colors
• Identifying alphabet and their sounds
• Identifying numbers and counting
• Identifying shapes
• Listening to and retelling stories
• Making comparisons
• Matching patterns
• Pretend writing letters, lists, or descriptions of their art
• Speaking
• Time and sequence
• Understanding terms describing size and quantity
• Understanding directional and positional words
• Writing and copying words of interest

Caddo Parish Magnet Policy explains testing and ranking of students for acceptance.

Caddo Parish Magnet School Policy explains testing and ranking systems.

Applications, deadlines & testing dates will be available Oct. 3 on the website.

CONTACT:
Julie Scruggs
Phone: 318-603-6352
Website: www.caddo.k12.la.us/magnet-programs.cfm

Parents have other options if they feel their neighborhood education does not meet their child's needs. They are worth exploring for your child's sake:

• Shreve Island Elementary (Year-round. Testing in March. First come, first served basis) 
• Oil City Environmental Science Magnet School (K-6th grade. Extended school year)
• Neighborhood Schools with Magnet Programs (see list above)
  
• Hardship, Medical or Curriculum Transfers within Caddo Parish Schools
• Shreveport-Bossier Private Schools (Many offer Financial Assistance & Scholarships)
• School Choice or Supplemental Education Services 
• Enrichment Programs @ neighborhood schools: Gifted & Talented or Discoveries Programs
  
• Bossier Parish Schools
• Desoto Parish Schools
• Virtual Charter School for LA (K-12 Program paid for by Louisiana Dept. of Ed.)
  
• Homeschooling
  

Additional Supplemental Resources:

• Parent's Resource Center
• Free Tutoring for eligible students