Yellow Jacket Sports (April 17 – April 23)

New Today 

Seniors – Class of 2023, please vote for your graduation choices by TODAY. The link is on your senior Canvas page.

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 TODAY.  Intent to Run forms are also due by TODAY.

Congratulations to our 2022-2023 Bobbie Gates Hicks SMART Graduates! We are proud of you – Caroline Hannigan, Elizabeth Klotzbach and Chloe Miller!

Students – The offices of Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and Representatives Julia Letlow and Mike Johnson will be hosting a Service Academy Day event TOMORROW from 8:30 to Noon at Louisiana Tech’s Integrated Engineering and Science Building in Ruston. More details are in the flyer attached to this email, and the event is free.

Athletics – John Patrick is up for state athlete of the week in the mile split. Each person can only vote once. CLICK HERE to vote!

Off Campus PE – Students who are taking Off Campus PE must have new insurance information for their forms.  This is a change as of 4-19-23.  Attached is the new checklist and the highlighted changes that have been made.  Please email or call Mrs. Prothro if you have questions at MProthro@caddoschools.org or 364-5455.  There are NO exceptions to this new policy. CLICK HERE for the checklist.

Students – Renaissance will be Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27 in the Learning Center during lunch.

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

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 in Mrs. Prothro’s office.

Student Council – Students, the membership application poster for 2023-2024 Student Council is posted around the school. Scan the QR code to fill out the Google Form. Please apply for membership by April 25, 2023. Membership will be posted by May 9^th outside of room 202, and you will need to verify membership by signing the form.

Students – Students interested in Off-Campus P.E. may like this Off Campus P. E. opportunity at 318 Climb. Off-Campus P. E. forms are in the counselor’s office and are due no later than May 2nd.

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

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.

Transfer Process – Attached is notice of the transfer process. March 1-April 15, 2023. CLICK HERE

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.

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 – 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.

South Highlands Alumni – Sign up to work at their Field Day on May 12th in Mrs. Prothro’s office.  You may not miss any EOC tests, regular tests or projects.  You must provide your own transportation.  Space is limited.

First Baptist Graduates – If you would like to work at First Baptist Field Day on May 12th, sign up in Mrs. Prothro’s office.  Only students who attended First Baptist may sign up.  You may not miss a test or an EOC test or any important project. 

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.

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.

Junior Girls and Boys – Girls and Boys State is a phenomenal leadership opportunity for our students.  We still have spaces for students to sign up.  Please see Mrs. Prothro if you are interested.  This looks awesome on your resume’. 

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.

Students – 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.

Aim For Christ is offering the Mackenzie Jewitt Memorial scholarship in memory of Mackenzie Jewitt, Byrd senior Class of 2022. Mackenzie was a loving and caring person who would always put other’s needs before her own. She genuinely had a heart for people and didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand whenever she could. She loved helping those who were in need, and the fighter in her allowed her to never give up regardless of difficult circumstances. The purpose of this scholarship is to honor the heart of Mackenzie by awarding dedicated students who may have faced challenges in life but continue to strive for excellence in spite of their adversities. It will be a vessel to help encourage students to continue their education and to not give up. Scholarship recipient must be a Class of 2023 graduate, and plan to attend post-secondary education. This can be college, technical or trade school. Applications are available in the Counseling Office or the Class of 2023 Canvas page. Deadline to apply is TODAY.

The Louisiana Construction Education Foundation (LCEF), Louisiana’s Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is now accepting applications for the Jump Start Construction Connect Scholars Program.  This program is the state’s first and only scholarship dedicated exclusively to Jump Start graduates who have earned a Jump Start credential and a Louisiana high school diploma and subsequently enroll in an LCTCS Construction Pathway Program or Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) training program the summer or fall immediately following graduation. This scholarship will assist graduates in gaining the necessary training to earn industry employment in construction crafts fields aligned to four and five star jobs that may lead to management positions. Applications are due TODAY.  Eligibility Requirements: Any high school senior who has a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credential, will earn a Jump Start Career Diploma, and enrolls in an LCTCS construction pathway program or an ABC training program in the summer or fall semester immediately following high school graduation.  Scholarship Award: Up to forty one-time scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each will be awarded to students enrolling at an LCTCS program or an Associated Builders and Contractors training program.  For more information please email stephanie.marcum@la.gov.

The Home Builders Association/Michael J. Penn Memorial Scholarship is now available. This one-time $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who plans to attend a four-year college and major in construction management, engineering, or architecture. The application is available at www.nwlahba.org Deadline to apply is Friday, April 28th.  

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.

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

Class of 2023, please vote for your graduation choices by TODAY. The link is on your senior Canvas page.

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 – AP Capstone Cords are for graduating seniors who have completed both AP Seminar and AP Research. Cords are $10 and are available for purchase on LocalLevelEvents. Cords will be delivered at the Senior Honors Assembly. https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/26148

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 MONDAY, 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.