2-1-24

PTSAByrdBlastByrd High School, PTSA Byrd Blast

Yellow Jacket Sports (January 29-February 4)

2/1  Boys Freshman Basketball vs. Parkway at Parkway • 5:00 pm

2/1  Boys JV Basketball vs. Parkway at Parkway • 6:00 pm

2/2 Varsity Baseball vs. West Monroe (Scrimmage) @ Byrd • 4:15 pm

2/2  Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Natch Central at TDB • 7:30 pm

2/3  Byrd Track and Field – LSU Last Chance Meet • Baton Rouge, LA


New Today

Click to shop all merch in ONE website.

Get your Byrd Baseball Gear. We have a lot of new items on our online store. If you want your gear before the season starts order by 2/2/2024. CLICK HERE for online store.

 

Teacher Appreciation 2024CLICK HERE for Signup Genius. CLICK HERE to donate to TAW on Local Level. We’d love any help you can give to make this the best teacher appreciation week ever!  Lindsey Lewis: 318.617.7902

College – A representative from the US Navy will be available outside the cafeteria during both lunch shifts on TODAY, 2/1.
BYRD Track Team Tryouts (This week starting Monday 1/29/24) – Contact Coach Plaza if you would like to join the track team. Remember this includes running, jumping, and throwing events. 19 events in track & field. Practices are 4:15pm-6:15pm-ish Mon-Fri.  Track meets begin on March 2, 2024.  Contact information:  jeplaza1932@gmail.com  Phone 318-272-1671
Students Interested in the Tennis Team – See cebyrd.com athletics and create an account on aktivate.com and send all necessary forms to Coach Ballew. Cost will be $85. Email if there any questions at c.e.byrdtennis@gmail.com
Scholarship – The Women’s Republican Club of Shreveport is awarding (5) $1500 scholarships to young registered Republican females age 17 or older. Deadline to apply is March 31. Applications are available in the Counseling Office, or the Class of 2024 Counseling Canvas page. JUNIORS:  The 2024-25 Hicks SMART Program application is now available! The deadline to apply is February 29, 2024 at 4:00 pm. For application information, please visit the 2025 Canvas Page or see your science
teacher.
StudentsLouisiana Public Broadcasting announces the 2024 Louisiana Young Heroes program and the statewide call for nominations of students to be recognized as Louisiana Young Heroes. A Young Hero is defined as an exceptional individual who has excelled in academics, given significantly of themselves through public service, overcome adversity, exhibited extraordinary heroism, or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character to become better students, persons, and citizens. Parents, principals, teachers, guidance counselors, family members, and friends who know of high school students deserving of recognition for their tenacity, good work and commendable deeds, are encouraged to nominate them! Nominees must be Louisiana students in grades 9-12, enrolled in an academic institution or homeschool program, and cannot be older than 18 years of age. Nominations and supporting materials should be submitted through the online form at lpb.org/heroes. The deadline for entries is Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Previous Young Heroes are not eligible.) For more information, call 800-272-8161, ext. 4274 or 225-767-4274 or email heroes@lpb.org.
Show your support to your Mean Girls cast and crew and buy your own Mean Girls t-shirt. Hot Pink or Black. Short-Sleeve or Long or One of Each. $25-$34 each. They can be purchased on Local Level Events
9th Graders – If you are interested in applying to become a Lyle Leader, please see Mrs. Prothro or Ms. Waters.  The application can also be found at the link below.  The deadline is 2-12-24.  Lyle Leaders participate in community service projects and field trips during the year. CLICK HERE for application.

 

Volunteer Opportunity for Key Club, Astra Club, Beta Club, or Lyle Leaders– Cypress Baptist Church is hosting Night to Shine, a prom event for special needs kids. High School Students can help by spending the night being a Buddy by dressing up and getting service hours. It is February 9th, 2024 from 5-9 PM in the Cypress Baptist Church (4701 Palmetto Rd Benton, LA 71006) Field House. Here’s how students sign up:

2. Click on Events
3. Select “Night to Shine”
4. Click ‘Register Here’
5. Select ‘I Want to Be a Volunteer
6. Choose ‘Night to Shine Buddy’
Students who volunteer must attend the volunteer meeting at Cypress Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:15.

Please see the link attached for more information. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vFg4AaIQj-hNZC1Pic7NUsyPbu3pazRhLsXVp9uAf1I/edit?usp=sharing

ACT Testing – on Wednesday March 20th, all 11th grade students and a select group of 12th grade students will take the ACT.  There is no cost to students.  SENIORS you will be scheduled to test if you meet the eligibility criteria.  Contact Mrs. Eason in the counseling office to find out if you will be scheduled to test.

Seniors– In order to graduate, all students must complete a financial aid step. You must complete one of these options:

1. Complete the FAFSA- the FAFSA is now available. You can complete it at www.studentaid.gov. Mrs. Byrd will send step-by-step instructions if needed as soon as this is available. You will be completing the 2024-2025  FAFSA. The FAFSA is your application for federal grants, student loans, and is also a TOPS application. Once completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Please forward that to asbyrd@caddoschools.org so I you can be cleared for graduation.

2. Complete the Louisiana TOPS application at osfa.la.gov

(You do not have to complete both the FAFSA and TOPS application. If you complete the FAFSA, you are also applying for TOPS) If you complete this instead of the FAFSA, send your confirmation to asbyrd@caddoschools.org.

3. Sign a financial aid waiver. You may pick up one in the Counseling Office. If you do this, you will not receive any federal or TOPS money for college/technical school.

Attached is a step by step guide to completing the FAFSA. You can also scan the QR code to request free virtual assistance. CLICK HERE for FAFSA guide.

 

ContestHolocaust Remembrance Literary and Arts Competition.  The competitions are broken into five separate categories for this year’s competition which include: Essay, Musical Composition, Poetry, Short Story, and Visual Arts. Link for information needed:  https://www.holocaustremembranceservice.org/high-school-guidelines

 


Parents
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 April if there is enough interest. Please read the attached letter for more information. You may contact Delayna Griffith at dgriffith@aimstesting.org for any questions about the testing itself. CLICK HERE for testing info. CLICK HERE for AIMS brochure.

 

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 – We have begun accepting entries for this year’s copy of Perspectives, Byrd’s literary magazine. If you have a Canvas page for your students, please post this link that they can use to submit their writing (creative writing of all types) and visual art:
I will also put a flyer in your box with a QR code for entry in case that is more convenient for you and your students. Submissions are open until at least February 2Perspectives aims to represent the writing of our diverse student body, so please encourage students at every grade level and every instructional to submit. Submitting to Perspectives can be listed on academic resumes and – if the submission isn’t required by their teacher – usually counts towards their pursuit of National Honor Society awards.

Students – In anticipation of our exciting spring musical, Mean Girls, we’re kicking off the second semester with Pink Wednesdays! We would love for everyone (faculty, staff, students, parents) to wear pink every Wednesday to help build excitement for the show!

 

Quinlan College ConsultingCLICK HERE for Building a College Gameplan session information on Sunday, February 4th and 3:30-5:00 PM

 

Dual EnrollmentLouisiana Tech Spring Quarter Dual enrollment applications are now available. Students in the following courses can apply at LaTech- AP US History, AP European History, English IV enriched Williams only, and English IV GT. Byrd will pay for Spring quarter courses at LaTech, as long as funds are available. Students are encouraged to apply early. Instructions are available from these teachers, the Counseling Office, the Canvas Counseling page. Please read all information carefully and complete all required steps. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 9, at 4pm. Please contact the 11th or 12 th  grade counselor if you have any questions. 11 th  grade-Tamiko Lacy- tslacy@caddoschools.org. 12 th  grade- Amanda Byrd- asbyrd@caddoschools.org

 

February Service Projects for Lyle Leaders, Key Club and Astra Club- 
Use the Sign Up Genius to volunteer to bring items for the Teacher Appreciation Week Breakfast.  You will receive 2 hours for each package you bring.  These will need to be brought to school no earlier than 2-21-24.
Byrd Student Council is hosting the first ever school-wide Thrift Shop!  Clothes donated by students will be resold at a discount price. Student Council Members are required to donate 5 wearable items, but anyone in the Byrd community is highly encouraged to donate!  Ideas of donations include shirts, pants, sweatshirts, Byrd merch, purses/bags, shoes, jewelry (No Earrings), Homecoming/Prom dresses, dress shirts, hats, ties, etc. Donations are due February 1st. Drop them off in Mrs. Carberry’s Room 202. The shop will open Friday 2/23, 4PM-6PM and Saturday 2/24, 12PM-4PM. CASH ONLY!

ACT Voucher- 

EOC Testing Information

 


Support Your Fellow Jackets!

BYRD BASEBALL BOOSTER- BLANKET SALES 2023-2024: 60 x 80 inch- C.E. Byrd School Spirit Blanket • Made of ultra-soft materials • Hubay D-Luxe Blanket • $75 per blanket CLICK HERE for link.

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:

Parents- We need your help to buy gift cards for each faculty member and volunteer to work for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Please use the Sign Up Genius to sign up to work and/or send gift cards. Gift cards may be turned in to Mrs. Prothro. We appreciate you so much for helping with this.
Students Opportunity – Swim Instructor @ Geaux Swim located at 231 Mt. Zion Road, Shreveport, LA – the newest indoor pool in the city! No previous experience necessary, we train on-site!  $11 per hour, flexible schedule.  Contact Jason at 318-222-3483 or apply by messaging us on Facebook!  Check us out at www.geauxswim.com

Caddo Parish Schools, Applications open for the 2024 Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA)DEADLINE to submit applications is Sunday February 18th! The applications for our 2024 FLEYA program are now open!  Please feel free to SHARE this information with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. 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.  Link to information and application can be found on the FBI New Orleans website under COMMUNITY OUTREACH TAB: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/neworleans/community-outreach

FLEYA Eligibility Criteria

  • Student is a United States Citizen residing in the state of Louisiana
  • Student is currently enrolled in a Louisiana High School
  • Student must be 15 to 17 years old at the time of the Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA), which will be held June 9-14, 2024.
  • This program is only for current high school students (students graduating high school in the spring 2024, are not eligible)
  • Student minimum GPA of 2.7
  • Student must complete the entire application
  • Student understands they must be present each day of the FLEYA program; no absences during FLEYA
  • Completed application and essay must be emailed in PDF form to LouisianaFLEYA@fbi.gov. (Note: No Google Docs or applications requiring a password to access will be accepted.)

 

Lyle Leaders– You have the opportunity to attend student/business mentor luncheon at Shreveport Convention Center and tour BRF which is the Biomedical Research Foundation-an innovation hub and economic development organization- includes the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, Digital Media Institute, and Oleolive- a pre-clinical biotechnology company!  There is a limit of 40 students.  See Mrs. Prothro for a permission slip.  The date is February 22, 2024!  This is a great opportunity for our students.

Lyle Leaders 10th, 11th and 12th Grades – We have been invited to the Junior Achievement Empower Student/Mentor Luncheon at the Shreveport Convention Center on Thursday, February 22nd at the Shreveport Convention Center.  There are only 40 spots available so it is on a first come first serve basis!   You can get a permission slip from Mrs. Prothro.  If you sign up, you must go, and you cannot change your mind at the last minute as they are paying for your lunch.

 

Peer Initiative members and anyone who would like to participate in December’s Random Acts of Kindness, please see Mrs. Richey in room S111.

 

Seniors – If you have volunteer hours from the past 4 years, please turn them into Mrs. Prothro before the Christmas holidays so you can qualify for the Community Service Endorsement on your diploma.  If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Prothro in office 125.

 

Applications OPEN January 8th –  The Emmy Noether Awards, a STEM Merit Award Opportunity available for qualifying female high school seniors in Louisiana and Mississippi. This merit-based award is presented annually to (3) female seniors aspiring to pursue post-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 3 years).  In addition to the 3 merit winners, up to 10 applicants will be invited as Emmy Noether Scholars will receive a $2,000 award, they will be invited to join a network of young female aspiring research scientists and will receive information on internship and networking opportunities.  An awards banquet will be held in Lafayette, LA in April (information will be forthcoming) 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
•    28 or higher on the ACT

Applications are open January 8th  – February 26th at noon and can be found at: www.thebrownfoundation.org/emmy-noether-award

 

 

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.


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

Scholarship – Each year, the Ark-La-Tex chapter of AFCEA and its members sponsor STEM scholarships and grants for local students and teachers. If you are interested in applying for a grant or have students planning to pursue STEM education after high school, please review the attached documents and submit an application; the application deadline is February 1, 2024. CLICK HERE for application. CLICK HERE for Teaching Grant Application.

 

Chesapeake Energy ScholarshipCLICK HERE for information.

 

Scholarship – The Jason Bland Power the Cure Foundation/Shelter Insurance Scholarship application is available on the Class of 2024 Counseling Canvas page, or in the Counseling Office. A $1500 scholarship will be awarded to a Caddo Parish student trainer or student athlete. Deadline to apply is April 1. CLICK HERE for information.

 

Scholarship – Catholic Daughters of the Americans Scholarship Information CLICK HERE

 

Scholarship – The Louisiana Tennis Association is currently offering two scholarship and two high school assistance grants. The scholarship is available to current seniors. Grants are available to students in grades 9-12. Legacy Scholarship Info and To Apply: https://form.jotform.com/232924612101141 Believer Grant Info and To Apply: https://form.jotform.com/232924626560155 Our local NW LA Community Tennis Association also offers a high school assistance program: High School Tennis Player Assistance Program (anonymous) https://form.jotform.com/220306559520147. Our High School Tennis Scholarship applications will open next February and be awarded in May.

 

Key Club & Circle K Scholarship – The LaMissTenn District Foundation offers scholarships to Key Club Seniors and Circle K Members. All eligible Circle K Members and Senior Key Club members are invited to complete and submit a Scholarship Application. CLICK HERE for info and application.


 

AFA’s Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship ContestCLICK HERE for information and application.

 

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.

 

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.

 

The Caddo School Counselors scholarship application for future edcuators is available in the Counseling Office or the Class of 2024 Counseling Canvas page. Students must have a 2.5/4.0 gpa and plan to attend LSU-Shreveport and major in education. Deadline to apply is March 8, 2024. 

 


Senior Information

If you did not receive a senior panoramic picture, you may order one online at:  www.goldbeckcompany.com

 

Seniors – Seniors we only have 125 seniors that have ordered cap and gowns. Starting March 14th, the price of the gowns will go up to $100, and April 15th is the deadline to order.

 

Seniors– In order to graduate, all students must complete a financial aid step. You must complete one of these options:

  1. Complete the FAFSA- the FAFSA is now available. You can complete it at www.studentaid.gov. Mrs. Byrd will send step-by-step instructions if needed as soon as this is available. You will be completing the 2024-2025  FAFSA. The FAFSA is your application for federal grants, student loans, and is also a TOPS application. Once completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Please forward that to asbyrd@caddoschools.orgso I you can be cleared for graduation.
  2. Complete the Louisiana TOPS application at osfa.la.gov

(You do not have to complete both the FAFSA and TOPS application. If you complete the FAFSA, you are also applying for TOPS) If you complete this instead of the FAFSA, send your confirmation to asbyrd@caddoschools.org.

  1. Sign a financial aid waiver. You may pick up one in the Counseling Office. If you do this, you will not receive any federal or TOPS money for college/technical school.

 

The 2023-2024 Reynolds Foundation scholarship is available in the Counseling Office or on the Class of 2024 Canvas page. Deadline to apply is January 31. Students must graduate in the Spring 2024 and plan to enroll as a full-time student at at a 2 or 4 year college, or vocational school.

 

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 – 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 – 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.

 

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