10-25-23

PTSAByrdBlastByrd High School, PTSA Byrd Blast

Yellow Jacket Sports (October 23-October 29)

10/26  Byrd Volleyball vs Benton – F/JV/V
10/27  Byrd Football vs. Southwood (Homecoming) CORRECTION: 5:00 PM at Independence Stadium Jerry Burton Stadium (Home) | 5:00 PM

New Today

CLICK HERE for Byrd Football Tickets

 

Attention Juniors – We need responsible and reliable students to help with planning and executing this year’s ring ceremony. If you are interested in serving on ring staff, please go by and sign up outside Mrs. Cole’s room (S210) or Mrs. Bolton’s room (S212). The deadline to sign up is TODAY. If you sign up, there will be a mandatory interest meeting in room S212 on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:45 am before school or at 4:00 pm right after the last bell. 

 

Students –Due to the homecoming parade this Thursday; we will postpone the fishing team informational meeting. The new meeting date and time is Wednesday, November 1st at 6 PM in T-10.

 

Homecoming Parade – The Homecoming Parade is TOMORROW at 5:30 P.M. Clubs are responsible for their own floats and throws. Throws can be any beads or candy, except candy with sticks (like lollipops). We do ask that you not throw individual pieces of candy and instead put the throws in some kind of bag or baggie. Floats need to be lined up by 4:30 P.M. on October 26th in the tennis courts. There will be three community judges. The theme is Crush the Cowboys with a superhero theme. Student council is doing a Spider-Man float. Some other ideas are:  Superman, Batman, Iron Man, Black Panther, Wonder Woman, The Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Aqua Man, Etc. Let Mrs. Carberry know at awcarberry@caddoschools.org when you choose your theme. Two floats cannot have the same theme, so it’s first come first serve. We are trying to really give the Homecoming Parade an emphasis this year! We’re going to ask local elementary and middle schools to join in on the fun, and we would love to have a lot of participation from our own school. PTSA and Key Club are doing a tailgate and cook-out before the parade, so we really want to have our students here to participate. Please help us encourage our student body to be here!

 

Students – Lists have been posted outside Mrs. Comerford and Ms. Adamson’s room of all students accepted into the Science National Honor Society. There will be an informational meeting next week, please stop by to sign your name and get dates for meeting.

 

Students – Students who would like to sign up to take The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test (ASVAB) need to do so by December 8, 2023. We are offering this to all 11th graders, and any 12th graders who indicate that they are interested. The test will be given on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Learning Center. This is a great way for them to find out what will benefit them most when they graduate from high school. This is the only time this test will be offered at Byrd this year.

 

StudentsYouth and Government members interested in attending the YMCA Youth Legislature Conference in Baton Rouge 12/7-12/9 need to see Mrs. Speyrer ASAP.

 

Key Club – To join the Remind for Key Club, please do the following:
  • Download the Remind App.
  • Put the join code in for your grade:
      • 9th grade     #kyc2027
      • 10th grade    #kyc2026
      • 11th grade      #kyc2025
      • 12th grade         #kyc2026

 

Students – The deadline to withdraw from Louisiana Tech fall quarter classes with a grade of “W” is Friday, October 27. Students with a C or below in a dual enrollment class are encouraged to withdraw. Forms can be picked up in the Counseling Office and must include a parent’s signature.

 

Students – The 2023 Homecoming Dance will be on October 28 from 6:30 to 10:30 in the school gym.  Homecoming dance contracts are now available outside the main office.   Contracts must be turned in to a bookkeeper before you can purchase tickets.  Tickets are available on Local Level Events from October 1 – October 19 for $25.  After midnight on October 19, the cost increases to $50 and is only available until October 26.

 

Dual EnrollmentLouisiana Tech Winter Quarter Dual enrollment applications are now available. Winter quarter registration is only available for students who were not able to register for fall quarter classes. Students already enrolled in a dual enrollment course and wish to continue, will wait for spring quarter registration. Students in the following courses can apply at LaTech- AP US History, AP European History, English III Honors, English III GT, English IV enriched Williams only, and English IV GT. Byrd will pay for one core English, math, science, or social studies course each quarter LaTech, as long as funds are available. Students are encouraged to apply early. Instructions are available from these teachers, the Counseling Office, or cebyrd.com. Please read all information carefully and complete all required steps. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, November 8, at 4pm. Please contact the 11th or 12th grade counselor if you have any questions. 11th grade- Tamiko Lacy- tslacy@caddoschools.org. 12th grade- Amanda Byrd- asbyrd@caddoschools.org CLICK HERE for LA Tech Dual Enrollment Information.

 

 

 

Please help us reach our goal of 400 memberships. We currently have 384 members, we only need 16 more memberships to meet or goal!

4 easy ways to get involved with the PTSA:

  1. Become a Member (Pay Online or Pay by Check or cash)
  2. Volunteer with the PTSA (Complete this form)
  3. Attend PTSA meetings (View all upcoming dates)
  4. Make a Tax-Free Donation to the PTSA

 


MORE INFORMATION

Students – Don’t miss out on the chance to relive the extraordinary moments of the year. Don’t wait—make your yearbook yours today and preserve those cherished memories forever! Yearbooks can be purchased on locallevelevents.com for $65.

 

Students – Picture retake will be held on November 3rd, starting at 8:30 am and ending at 9:00 am. Anyone who has not taken a school picture is able to take their picture at this time.

 

Parent Survey – As a part of the Caddo Parish Public Schools strategic plan, school climate is a critical part of academic success.  School climate at all schools will be assessed via the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI)  and The PBIS School Climate Survey.  Surveys will assess school connectedness, adult social support, social/civic learning, physical environment, school safety, and order/discipline.  It is vital that all staff members complete the survey below.  Thank you so much.  I know your time is valuable.  It does not take very long to complete.  Byrd High Parent Surveyhttps://www.pbisassessment.org/Anon/lGa20CLp4G0

 

Club Info

African American Studies – scan QR code around school – go to S109 for more info

BETA Club – applications in S112 or scan QR code – applications and fees due 

Drama Club – scan QR code and pay online at payschoolscentral.com or go to Room 200

Growing for Good – applications in S105 – fee $5.00

Robotics scan QR code around school – fee is $10

Spanish Club – applications by 117 in main building and S304 – pay fees online at payschoolscentral.com Youth and Gov meeting – Wednesday 10/25 at 7:40 AM in the Learning Center! We will be debating a SPOOKY HALLOWEEN BILL! 

 


Support Your Fellow Jackets!

Drama – Show your house spirit and buy a Puffs t-shirt! Are you a Brave (red)? a Smart (blue)? a Snake (green)? a Puff (yellow)? Choose one of these great colors and support Puffs and Byrd Drama at the same time! Go to https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/28895 to purchase!

Your Link to EVERYTHING Byrd!

CLICK HERE for the Local Level Events page that includes ALL Byrd events. You can also scan the QR code below.


Student Opportunities:

Volunteer Opportunity

Astra Club – Mrs. Prothro needs volunteers to work at the Reruns Are Fun from October 19-November 3, 2023.  Please sign up in her office.

 

First Baptist Alums – Mrs. Prothro needs students who attended First Baptist to work at their Fall Carnival. See her to sign up.

 

Astra Club – Mrs. Prothro needs volunteers for the South Highlands Carnival.  Before you sign up, please know that this is the same date as our Homecoming Parade.  Sign up in Mrs. Prothro’s office. 

 

Student Opportunity – Astra Club, Key Club and Lyle Leaders • Sign up to volunteer at Fairfield Elementary Fall Carnival online through Sign Up Genius. CLICK HERE to sign up.

 

Key Club and Astra Club Members – Sign up to work at Reruns are Fun in Mrs. Prothro’s office.

 

Key Club – Sign up to work at Les Boutique de Noel in Mrs. Prothro’s office.

 

Student Opportunity – Providence House is seeking applications from high school students interested in serving on the 2023-2024 Youth Advisory Board of Directors.  We are expanding our current youth board.  This leadership role works with the larger governing board and offers hands-on experience in philanthropy, fundraising, leadership and planning.  The Youth Board has its own budget, leadership team and they get to plan events and use their voices to support all efforts around homelessness as well as community leadership.  This is an amazing opportunity for young people to make a difference. CLICK HERE for Youth Advisory Council 2023 Student Application.

 

Robinson Film Center is now accepting applications for the Teen Film Council. This after-school program meets on Mondays and features film production and theory taught by working industry professionals. Prepare for film school or a job in the industry, or just come to learn more about film. Apply now at robinsonfilmcenter.org

 

Students – Does your child have documented volunteer hours?  If your child has 100 hours or more, he or she is eligible to receive the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.  This is a national award, and Byrd is the only Caddo Parish School who has students that receive this award.  All you need to do is keep up with all volunteer hours that you have for all school organizations, church or faith based activities, or community organizations from last March 1, 2023, through February 28, 2024.  You can go back and write down the hours you have from this past spring and summer.  Attached is a form.  Mrs. Prothro will sign off and verify your activities.  Call or email her at 364-5455 or MProthro@caddoschools.org if you have questions. Also, your child needs 15 hours per school year to receive the LA Diploma Community Service Endorsement on their diploma when they graduate.  Attached is a form on which these hours may be documented.  These forms may be turned in throughout the school year to Mrs. Prothro.  If the activities are school-related, Mrs. Prothro will sign off on the verification. CLICK HERE for Volunteer Hour Log • CLICK HERE for Community Service Endorsement

 

Student Opportunity – The Out of the Darkness Walk will occur on October 28, 2023, at Betty Virginia Park in Shreveport. This walk includes all of NWLA, not just Shreveport/Bossier, so please share this information! This walk benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its community programs in our area. On average, there are 132 suicides per day in the U.S. 94% of adults surveyed in the U.S. think suicide can be prevented. We are trying to raise awareness, letting people know that it’s okay not to be okay and that resources are available to help. We need your help to do that! Registering for the walk is free (donations are accepted). Register as an individual, create a team, or join an existing one. We then encourage participants to share their fundraising link with family and friends. All donations are tax-deductible. About AFSP OOTD Walks • Our Local Walk Information • AFSP Louisiana Chapter  Visit here to register: http://www.afsp.org/nwla RSVP to the event on Facebook and share with friends and family!

 

The application for the Allied Health Education and Discovery (AHEAD) Program is open for Summer 2024! 

The AHEAD Program is a 5-day summer program for Louisiana high school students interested in exploring the health career programs offered at LSU Health Shreveport – School of Allied Health Professions: 

Medical Laboratory Scientist, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Physician Assistant, Public Health Professional, Respiratory Therapist and  Speech-Language Pathologist

Program Dates 2024: 

  • Session 1: June 10 – 14, 2024, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
  • Session 2: July 8 – 12, 2024, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Apply today at http://www.lsuhs.edu/ahead! Applications are due March 15, 2024.
Eligibility Criteria:

  • Students must be at least 16 years old by the first day in the session. 
  • Enrolled in a Louisiana high school. Graduating seniors are welcome!
  • Minimum 3.0 high school GPA at the time of application.
  • Access to reliable transportation and commitment to full attendance.
  • Please note: This is a non-residential program and housing is not provided. 

 


Scholarships & Contests

Poster ContestsAll posters must be turned in to Mrs. Prothro by the dates below.  The size must be 11 X 14, no glitter, and a flat surface.  Each poster must contain the label attached to the back of the poster entry.  See Mrs. Prothro for the entry form more information.  If you need extra forms, email Mrs. Prothro at MProthro@caddoschools.org or come by her office. CLICK HERE for full list of contests.

Red Ribbon Week Deadline:  October 27th 

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week Deadline:  November 11th

Internet Safety Prevention Week Deadline:  December 8th

 

Reflections – The deadline for submissions is November 27, 2023.

CLICK HERE for the Student Entry Form • CLICK HERE for Literature • CLICK HERE for Photography • CLICK HERE for Special Artist • CLICK HERE for Dance • CLICK HERE for Film • CLICK HERE for Music • CLICK HERE for Visual Arts

 

Scholarship – Class of 2024 Lela’s $1000 FAFSA Completion Scholarship application for the Class of 2024 is now available for those who plan to apply for college financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

 

Schoolhouse Connection’s Youth Leadership Program Scholarship is available for students who have experienced homelessness in the last 6 years. 

  • Applicants must reside in the United States.
    Note: undocumented applicants are eligible.
  • Applicants must be born on or after November 24, 2003.
  • Applicants must begin college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in 2024 (not including dual-enrollment courses).

A SchoolHouse Connection Scholar Will Receive:

  • $2,500 Scholarship Award
  • One-on-One Support from SchoolHouse Connection Staff
  • Three All-Expenses-Paid Trips
  • Support from SchoolHouse Connection Scholars

Opportunities to Engage in State and Federal Policy Advocacy:

https://schoolhouseconnection.org/scholarship/?emci=5526c877-875c-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&emdi=e2aaba01-5061-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&ceid=11022566Links to an external site.

 

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program Scholarship application is now available at   https://robertsonscholars.org/  The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program provides eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for Scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Scholars also have access to generous funding for up to three summer experiences, funding for conferences throughout the academic year, and for two semesters of study abroad.  You may apply either Early Decision or Regular Decision to Duke, or Early Action or Regular Decision to UNC-Chapel Hill. As long as you apply for first-year undergraduate admission to one or both of these universities, you are eligible to apply for the Robertson. All students will learn whether they are moving to the second stage on the same day, regardless of which university application they select. Deadline to apply is November 15th.

 

Seniors – If you plan to attend the University of Virginia as your top choice school and want to be nominated for the Jefferson Scholarship, please notify Mrs. Byrd in the Counseling Office.

 

Seniors- The Hagan Scholarship is available at www.hsfmo.org. This is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship that provides up to $7500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Applicants must have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and plan to work 240 hours from January 1, 2024-the completion of the 2024 fall semester of college. Applicant’s adjusted gross household income reported for 2022 Federal Income Tax purposes must not have exceeded $85,000.

 


Senior Information

Seniors – Updated transcripts are now available in the Counseling Office. Each student will receive a copy of the transcript during Senior Orientation in English IV classes. If you need one prior to that visit, you can pick one up in the Counseling Office. Transcripts and transcript information cannot be e-mailed or provided over the telephone.  All public colleges and universities in Louisiana have access to transcripts and you should not have to send them. If they tell you they cannot access the transcript, or if you need to send a transcript to a private school within Louisiana, or any school outside of Louisiana, you will need to complete the transcript request form at  https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/26815. Make sure you submit payment and complete the google form on that page.  Students applying to colleges through the Common App do not have to complete the transcript request form. The transcript will be uploaded on the Common App portal.

 

Seniors – The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived – it’s time to create your unforgettable senior yearbook ad. Purchase your ad at locallevelevents.org and seize this opportunity to leave your mark on the yearbook. Once you’ve secured your spot, send us all your artwork and heartfelt messages to be featured on your ad at cebyrd.yearbook@my.caddoschools.org Make your senior year even more memorable with a personalized ad – don’t miss out!

 

Seniors – If you plan to attend the University of Virginia as your top choice school and want to be nominated for the Jefferson Scholarship, please notify Mrs. Byrd in the Counseling Office.

 

Seniors – Zeta Phi Beta Beau/Debutante applications and information is available in the Counseling Office, or on the Class of 2024 Counseling Canvas page.

 

SeniorsElks Student of the month scholarship applications are available in the counseling office. Each month (October-April) a scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding senior boy and senior girl who demonstrate exemplary standards. Students should be well-rounded with leadership, citizenship, service, and scholarship qualities. Students will compete against other high school students in Caddo-Bossier area. Applications are due by the 15th of each month and only need to be submitted once.

 

 

CLICK HERE for all scholarship opportunities.

CLICK HERE for a full list of community service opportunities.

CLICK HERE for a full list of contests.

CLICK HERE for full PRINTABLE Blast.