Yellow Jacket Sports (March 20 – March 26)

New Today 

Staff and Students – We will have salads for sale this week in the Hydroponics for $2.00.  

Transfer Process – Attached is notice of the transfer process. CLICK HERE

Students – If you are interested in serving on the Legislative Youth Advisory Council attached is the information.  The deadline is TODAY. This is a wonderful experience for leaders in our state.  See Mrs. Prothro for more information. CLICK HERE for info. CLICK HERE for about.

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.

Students – Get your tickets for Byrd Drama’s spring musical, Footloose, which starts it’s run tonight through Sunday!!! Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code on any Footloose poster or by going to Local Level Events. For questions, see Mr. Williams in room 200 in the main building.

CURRENT JUNIORS ONLY: Are you interested in applying to be a 2023-2024 Top Jacket during your senior year? There is a mandatory informational meeting in the auditorium next Wednesday, March 29. You can either attend the meeting before school at 7:40 am OR after school from 4:00 – 4:30 pm. We will be discussing the application process and timeline. See Panos or Springer if you have questions.

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.

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.

College Visits – LSU April 3

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.

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.

Beta Club Fundraiser

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.

Astra Club 9-11^th 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.

3/23        4:15 pm – 7pm

3/24        4:15 pm – 7pm

3/25        10am – 7pm

3/26        10am – 7pm   very busy day

3/27        4:15 pm-  7pm

3/28        4:15 pm –  8pm

3/29         4:15 pm –  7pm

3/30         4:15 pm –  7pm

3/31         4:15 pm – 7pm

4/1           9am –  6pm

4/2         11am –  7pm   very busy day

4/3           4:15 pm –  7pm

4/4          4:15 pm –  8pm

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

Byrd Students – The American Rose Center needs volunteers for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 1, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Sign up on the Google Form Link HERE.  You must provide your own transportation.  See Mrs. Prothro if you have questions.

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.

Poster Contest – Students – Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors is holding a poster contest. The Northwest LA winner will receive $500 and go on to compete in the state level competition.  The state competition winner will be named on April 25th and receive $1,000. Poster must be 18×24, have the Louisiana Realtor logo included, bring to light everything Fair Housing encompasses, may use any media – digital, paint, sketch, etc, and it must be an original work.  Deadline is March 28th and poster must be delivered to the Northwest LA Association of Realtors, 2036 East 70th Street.  Call 318-797-0054 for more information. CLICK HERE for details.

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 Women’s Republican Club of Shreveport Scholarship is available in the Counseling Office or the Class of 2023 Canvas page. 5 $1500 scholarships will be awarded to eligible seniors. Students must be 17, female, and registered with the Republican party. Applications are due March 31st.

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.