4-5-23
Yellow Jacket Sports (April 3 – April 9)
New Today
A HUGE Thank you to our wonderful C. E. Byrd families for making Teacher Appreciation week such a great success! We rolled out the red carpet for our faculty and staff providing lunches from El Cabo Verde, Events Plus, Newk’s, Silver Star, and East Ridge Country Club. We gave out over 25 door prizes and provided popcorn snacks daily from Sugarwalk Popcorn! Thank you again for your generous donations!
Astra Club – It is time to join for the upcoming year. Forms are in Mrs. Prothro’s office. Also, if you would like to run for office, sign up in Mrs. Prothro’s office. Also, sign up for Judson Field Day in Mrs. Prothro’s office.
Juniors – Ring Ceremony is May 9th. If you plan on participating in Ring Ceremony, you need to visit Local Level events to register. Also, be sure you submit your pictures for the slide show on time and to the correct email. All of the information pertaining to the ceremony and slide show is listed on Local Level. Please see Mrs. Cole or Mrs. Bolton if you have any questions. https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/25979
Lyle Leader – Any Lyle Leader interested in going on a Historic Tour of Shreveport on Friday, April 14th, please get a permission form from Ms. Waters, Fox or Prothro and return asap. The first 30 students get to go on the trip.
Stamp Collecting Club – The final meeting of our Stamp Collecting Club will be held next Tuesday in Room 204. Our theme is Farewell and Applaud on Postage Stamps.
Youth and Government – Our last debate will be Wednesday, April 12th, at 7:40 am! Officer Intent forms are due to Mrs. Speyrer by Thursday, April 13th.
Students – The Teen Advisory Committee and Step Forward would like you to complete a Google survey relating to mental health between April 5 – 10th. As students have had this survey opportunity to give feedback on mental health in the last two years, the answers are completely anonymous and completed in 10 minutes or less. As you sign into Classlink, the survey will be populated on the screen to click on to complete. If you miss the opportunity at school to complete the survey, you can still access through Classlink at home through April 10th. The data collected is powerful to support students in the future with mental health supports.
Juniors and Seniors – Prom is going to be held on April 15th at the Shreveport Convention Center. Prom contracts are available outside the main office and in room 206. You must be off the debt list, have an ACT score, and if you are a senior your FASFA must be completed. Beginning Wednesday, April 5th, tickets will be $50.00.
We will no longer process checkouts after 3:15 with the exception of extreme emergencies.
COVID – Schools are still required to report POSITIVE cases of COVID-19. If a Byrd student tests positive for COVID-19, please contact Lisa Walker Johnson, Assistant Principal for a return to school plan as per the current guidelines. You will need to report the day the student tested positive and the last day the student was on Byrd’s campus. Lisa Walker Johnson, Assistant Principal • lwjohnson@caddoschools.org or 318-364-5462
MORE INFORMATION
Freshmen – If you have community service hours to turn in for the Community Service Endorsement for your diploma bring to Mrs. Prothro. This is separate from the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. If you have questions, please call Mrs. Prothro at 364-5455.
Class of 2023 Senior Party will take place Tuesday, May 16 at the Garage at the Remington. If you are interested in becoming a host, the cost is $125 and includes an invitation for your senior along with four invitations for their junior or senior guests. Payments can be made via Venmo to Monica Lawrence at @Monica-Lawrence-6. Please include the following in the comments section: the name and telephone number of the parent who would like to be the point of contact, the senior host’s name, and an email address the senior will check. If hosts sign up by April 7, they may submit a suggestion and vote on this year’s theme. Please contact Karen McElroy with any questions at (318) 453-6005.
C. E. Byrd ACT Test Day Checkout Form – CLICK HERE to print out the form
11th and 12th grade ACT Testing Sites – CLICK HERE for testing room information.
Transfer Process – Attached is notice of the transfer process. March 1-April 15, 2023. CLICK HERE
Seniors – The Grambling University National Alumni Association, Inc., Shreveport Alumni Chapter, is pleased to offer scholarships to high school students interested in attending Grambling State University beginning with the fall semester of the year 2023-2024. Payable over a two-semester period, the scholarships will range up to the coveted Eddie Robinson Scholarship. Information is available in the Counseling Office. Requirements for applicants: Applicants must be in good standing at their respective high school; Applicants must have a grade-point average of 50 or above; Applications will be provided by the senior counselor or by local; Applicants must submit the following documents HERE; Completed application with signed verification by the senior counselor; Seven-semester transcript bearing the school seal; One (1) letter of recommendation from the students’ high school administrator, counselor, or teacher; Essay of 150 words “Why I Want to Attend Grambling State University”; One (1) recent wallet-sized, headshot photograph. Packets that do not contain all items will be disqualified. Deadline to apply is May 1st.
Boys State – See information about Louisiana Boys State below. You sign up on your own if you would like to attend. Please let Mrs. Prothro know if you are planning to go. Register HERE. Flyer HERE.
Lyle Leaders – 10th and 11th graders – Are you interested in attending the Louisiana Youth Seminar? I have some scholarships available on a first come, first serve basis. The 2023 Louisiana Youth Seminar is an exciting opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to participate. The 2023 seminar will be returning in person this year at the LSU Baton Rouge campus. Look up louisianayouthseminar.org for more information. See Mrs. Prothro ASAP if you are interested.
Student Leaders 9th – 11th Grades – Byrd High has four scholarships for students to attend this outstanding leadership conference in Baton Rouge, LA, this summer. The dates are 53rd Louisiana Youth Seminar: July 16-21, 2023. The cost is $550 paid for by a scholarship. The cost is free to students as we have 4 scholarships available. It is first come, first serve. See Mrs. Prothro or call her at 364-5455 for more information. This is a phenomenal opportunity for our students. Registration Information (subject to change):
- LYS tuition is $550 (LYS is a non-profit organization. 100% of the tuition is used to cover food, housing and operating costs.)
- Registration is limited to 225 students total.
- After LYS reaches capacity, registration is accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Support Your Fellow Jackets!
Byrd Baseball Booster Blanket Sales – Support your fellow jackets by purchasing a spirit blanket! These make great Christmas gifts and we have them in hand ready to deliver. CLICK HERE to order.
Student Opportunities:
Students – If you are looking to earn service hours, Providence House is looking for energetic, dependable, academically strong high school students to serve as tutors for our children (grades 3-10th). If you are interested in helping, here are the details: Location: 825 Cotton Street in Shreveport. Tutoring will be now through May 18th on Monday – Friday 4:30pm – 6:00pm AND Saturday 10:00am – 12:00pm. All tutors will be provided the books and materials needed to support our students. In addition, there will be on-site, adult supervision during all tutoring sessions. This is a great opportunity for peer-to-peer support and a super way to earn service hours. CLICK HERE for information about tutoring at Providence House.
Volunteer Opportunity – Volunteers of America is looking to fill a need within four of the schools in which we serve: Creswell, Werner Park, Westwood, and Broadmoor STEM Academy. Our goal is to match students with volunteers who would assist them with homework, literacy skills, and/or math for one hour each week after school for the last 9 weeks of this school year. All materials and activities for students are provided. This would be a great opportunity for students and clubs which are required to have service hours! I would like to come by and speak with you further about the possibility of partnering with clubs and organizations within your school. CLICK HERE for the flyer.
Z-Club information – Z-Club, a Byrd service club advocating for women worldwide, is now accepting applications for new members in 2023-24. New members are selected via member votes and teacher recommendations. Please come by Room S206 to pick up an application from Ms. Fox. Deadline to apply is April 21, 2023. Z-Club Officer Intent to Run Forms are available from Ms. Fox in S206. Deadline to submit these is April 21, 2023.
Astra Club 9-11th Grades – Mrs. Prothro needs volunteers to work at the Judson Elementary Field Day on May 12, 2023. You must provide your own transportation. See Mrs. Prothro to sign up.
Astra Club – Mrs. Prothro needs volunteers for Reruns Are Fun. See the dates and times below. We will be located in the same location as last time, Grace Community Church 9400 Ellerbe Road.
4/5 4:15 pm – 8pm
4/6 4:15 pm – 8pm
4/7 9am – 6pm
4/7 – Pickup day (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
4/8 9am – 4pm
Volunteer Opportunity – If you are in need of volunteer hours, Gingerbread House has an event on Saturday, April 29, 2023 – the second annual Carnival for Good. The event will be at Airline High School. They are needing volunteers to cover 3 shifts. Please see the attached flyer for more information. Contact Chichi Zhang at czhang@gingerbreadhousecac.org with any questions.
Junior Girls and Boys – If you are interested in going to Girls’ State or Boys’ State, please see Mrs. Prothro as soon as possible. Space is limited.
Students – Step Forward’s Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) is committed to introducing programming that impacts teens’ mental wellness in Caddo Parish high schools. TAC in partnership with Ochsner LSU will educate over 200 Caddo students on the Adverse Childhood Effect (ACE) study. Students attending the Mental Health Wellness Series will learn about trauma and the effects of trauma on the brain. Students will also participate in the ACE Core Talks and play the Brain Architect Game. Students will gain an understanding of how individuals and communities can build resilience that strengthens community connections. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event. Snacks and lunch are provided. There are limited spots. Please scan the QR code below to reserve your spot.
Students – If you have any interest in having your student’s interest and career potential assessed, the AIMS (Aptitude Inventory Measurement Service) test is hoping to come to Shreveport in January if there is enough interest. CLICK HERE to read the attached letter and CLICK HERE for more information.
ACT Fee Waivers are available in the Counseling Office for juniors and seniors who meet the criteria for free/reduced lunch. Students are eligible for 4 fee waivers during their junior and senior years. When registering for the ACT with a fee waiver, students receive free ACT prep available through their ACT accounts. Please see your counselor if you have any questions.
Applications are open for the Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) – FBI New Orleans, The Tulane University Police Department, and the Louisiana Chapter of the FBI National Academy are proud to announce the introduction of the 2023 Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) to Louisiana. Two of the nation’s most notable and iconic institutions will conduct law enforcement and legal training for selected youth from the State of Louisiana. The FLEYA training program will be a FREE weeklong overnight camp exposing students (15 to 17 years of age) to federal, state and local law enforcement practices. This joint effort promotes law enforcement career paths by giving the selected youths an inside look at the various practices and techniques as taught by subject matter experts and agency instructors. Tulane’s Uptown campus will serve as the home base for an academic environment with the premier atmosphere to encourage students to pursue higher education and careers in law enforcement. The attached brochure provides more information about the FLEYA program. CLICK HERE for brochure. Link to information and application: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/neworleans/community-outreach
Students – The 2022 Fall LEAP 2025 testing window is now open. This administration will be for those students who have previously been unsuccessful on parts of the LEAP 2025 exam. Only select students are eligible for the retest. Eligible students will be given individual notices of the dates and times they are scheduled to test. Contact Mrs. Johnson if you have questions and/or concerns. lwjohnson@caddoschools.org or 318-364-5462
Students – Are you interested in participating in Film Prize Jr? If you have an idea for a short 3-10 minute live action film, are interested in script writing, pre-production, editing, or filming, see Mrs. Smith in room S307 as soon as possible!
Students – FBI New Orleans, The Tulane University Police Department, and the Louisiana Chapter of the FBI National Academy are proud to announce the introduction of the 2023 Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) to Louisiana. Two of the nation’s most notable and iconic institutions will conduct law enforcement and legal training for selected youth from the State of Louisiana. The FLEYA training program will be a FREE weeklong overnight camp exposing students (15 to 17 years of age) to federal, state and local law enforcement practices. This joint effort promotes law enforcement career paths by giving the selected youths an inside look at the various practices and techniques as taught by subject matter experts and agency instructors. Tulane’s Uptown campus will serve as the home base for an academic environment with the premier atmosphere to encourage students to pursue higher education and careers in law enforcement. The attached brochure provides more information about the FLEYA program. Link to information and application can be found on the FBI New Orleans website HERE.
Scholarships & Contests
Students – If you are interested in entering any poster contests, please see your teacher or Mrs. Prothro. CLICK HERE for info.
High School Exchange Scholarships for U.S. Citizens – CLICK HERE for Domestic Opportunities CLICK HERE for Study Abroad CLICK HERE for Exchange Student Information
Southern University at Shreveport has band scholarships still available. Students do not have to audition. Scholarships are based on grades A, B, or C as recommended by the director. If interested, please contact Dr. Albert L. Jackson, Director, Southern University at Shreveport Band; aljackson@susla.edu/318-670-9381.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – Excellent opportunity for any current high school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors that you may know. The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship contest is an essay contest that highlights inspirational Black Americans who have shaped our world. Winners can earn scholarships worth $1,750 – $2,500. Students are asked to submit written or video essays regarding someone who has impacted their life, whether it is a famous icon or a local mentor or hero. High school and college winners will be selected from each of the 15 states served by Regions branches. Details about the contest can be found HERE.
The 2023 Emmy Noether Award is available to high school senior females planning to pursue graduate degrees in STEM-related fields. After completing undergraduate studies, the Gold Medalist will receive up to $75,000, and the two Silver Medalists will be awarded $25,000 each for qualified graduate-level programs (to be divided over a 3-year span). In addition to the 3 merit winners, up to 10 applicants will be invited as Emmy Noether Scholars to join a network of young female aspiring research scientists and receive information on internship and networking opportunities. An awards banquet will be held in New Orleans on April 23rd, at 12:30 pm to honor the awardees and scholars. Requirements include: Female, Senior in High School, Lives in LA or MS, Pursues a research-based graduate degree and career in a STEM field, and 28 or higher on the ACT. Application available at https://www.thebrownfoundation.org/emmy-noether-award. Application details are available on the Class of 2023 Counseling Canvas page.
Students – The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University is sponsoring the NSU Louisiana
High School Essay contest. This is open to students in grades 9-12. Students will address the prompt “Imagine
yourself in twenty years. What is your occupation. How does your work improve Louisiana?”. Winners will be
awarded a $1600 scholarship to NSU. Deadline is June 1st . Additional information is available in the counseling
office or at Students – The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University is sponsoring the NSU Louisiana
High School Essay contest. This is open to students in grades 9-12. Students will address the prompt “Imagine
yourself in twenty years. What is your occupation. How does your work improve Louisiana?”. Winners will be
awarded a $1600 scholarship to NSU. Deadline is June 1 st . Additional information is available in the counseling
office or at www.nsula.edu/folklife/highschoolessay/
Senior Information
Seniors – You must complete one of the following financial aid steps IN ORDER TO GRADUATE: 1) Complete the FAFSA (available at studentaid.gov) This is your TOPS application, as well as application for federal grants and student loans; 2) Complete the Louisiana TOPS form- if you are not completing the FAFSA (available at mylosfa.la.gov). If you choose this step, you must print a confirmation and bring it to the Counseling Office; 3) A parent or legal custodian, or a student legally emancipated or of the legal age of majority, may certify a waiver in writing to the LEA (See Mrs. Byrd for this form) . Only one step is required- you will not complete the FAFSA and the TOPS form. The FAFSA is also the TOPS application. The FAFSA application is available beginning October 1st. Students should complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA application using 2021 income tax information. The FAFSA Completion Guide is attached to this e-mail and is also available on the Class of 2023 Canvas page.
Seniors – The honor graduate list is posted outside the Counseling Office or in senior classrooms. Honor graduates are all students with a 4.0 gpa, plus the top 5% of the remaining graduating class. This year it includes all students with a 3.90 or higher cumulative grade point average. Honor graduates are eligible to purchase and wear a purple and gold honor cord, which will be distributed at the Senior Awards Assembly, TBA. You can purchase immediately at locallevelevents.com. If you would like to pay in person, you will be able to do so beginning April 3rd. If purchasing at school, you must have exact change/cash only. Cost is $10. Cords must be purchased by April 24th to receive them at the assembly. Purchase cords online at https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/25555 Your access code is your student ID number without the preceding 0. Math/Science Magnet students may wear the magnet stole at graduation. This is the white satin stole with letters BHS printed on the end. You can purchase immediately at locallevelevents.com. If you would like to pay in person, you will be able to do so beginning April 3rd. If purchasing at school, you must have exact change/cash only. Cost is $18. Purchase stoles online at https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/25554 Your access code is your student ID number without the preceding 0.
Seniors – Transcripts are now available. Each senior will receive a copy of his or her transcript during orientation. All public colleges/universities in Louisiana have access to your transcript through the Student Transcript System and we do not have to mail them. If you are applying to an out of state or private college/ university, your transcript must be mailed. You must pay for the transcript on locallevelevents.com and record your receipt number on the transcript request form. **If you are applying through the Common App, you do not have to mail your transcript. These will be sent electronically.
Seniors – If you ordered your caps and gowns with Jostens, they will be delivered to the school in April. If you ordered additional items, they will be delivered to your home as they are available. All orders go through Jostens – the school does not accept any payments and we do not have any information about your order. If you have any questions, you must contact Jostens. 1-800-JOSTENS (567-8367)
Seniors – A financial aid step must be completed in order to graduate. If you need assistance completing your FAFSA, please let Mrs. Byrd in the Counseling Office know.
Important Senior Dates to Remember
CLICK HERE for all scholarship opportunities.
CLICK HERE for a full list of community service opportunities.
CLICK HERE for full printable Byrd Blast.