Destrehan High School 2017-2018 St. Charles Parish Public Schools 13855 River Road Luling, LA 70070 Felecia Gomez-Walker Superintendent St. Charles Parish Public Schools District Credo Our Core Business Teaching & Learning Our Focus Continuous Improvement Our Commitment Learning for Life Destrehan High School #1 Wildcat Lane Destrehan, LA 70047 Stephen Weber, Principal Jack Bryant, Assistant Principal David Schexnaydre Jr., Assistant Principal Tracy Logan, Assistant Principal Frank Harding, Assistant Principal Kurt Menyweather, Administrative Monitor Main Office: (985) 764-9946 Counselor s Office: (985) 764-9872 School to Career Office: (985) 725-0620 Fax: (985) 764-9948 Website: http://www.stcharles.k12.la.us/destrehan
Principal s Message Destrehan High School has earned a reputation for academic and athletic excellence. We strive each day to live up to this reputation. The information provided here is an attempt to let you, our parents and community members, see where we are today. Our goal for tomorrow is to surpass our reputation and leap forward with education to meet the needs of the twenty-first century. Stephen Weber Principal Mission Our mission at Destrehan High School is to provide a nurturing community of teaching and learning in which all students will continuously improve to become responsible, contributing members of society. DHS Faculty Values To achieve our vision, faculty and staff must consistently work together. Identifying faculty values has helped us focus on what is important to move effectively toward accomplishing our vision. We all truly believe and model our faculty values to achieve success for our students and our school. Based upon what we value as a faculty, these are our guiding principles: We, the Destrehan High School Faculty, consistently hold high expectations and expect quality work from ourselves and from our students. We, the Destrehan High School Faculty, each day, make full use of instructional time. We, the Destrehan High School Faculty, prepare our students to be successful and competent citizens. We do this by consistently enforcing school discipline policies, holding ourselves and our students responsible for deadlines, and modeling trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. We, the Destrehan High School Faculty, keep the lines of communication open with all stakeholders, especially encouraging parents and family to be positively involved in their children s education. We, the Destrehan High School Faculty, provide an orderly atmosphere in our classes where everyone feels emotionally and physically secure and free to learn. We, the Destrehan High School Faculty, expect professionalism in both ourselves and our students. This professionalism will be modeled through dress, attendance, and mutual respect for each other. We, the Destrehan High School Faculty, make learning challenging and relevant, using a variety of instructional strategies and acknowledging that each student is unique in how he/she learns. Consistently living according to these values, the faculty of Destrehan High School provides a community of teaching and learning in which all students will continuously improve to become responsible, contributing members of society.
School Snapshot Destrehan High School was established in 1926 and moved to its present location in 1976. The main building, technology building, math building, humanities building, and athletic complex are situated on 33 acres of land adjacent to Ormond Plantation Estates. The school is located seventeen miles upriver from New Orleans and services all students on the eastbank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish. This includes the communities of Montz, Norco, New Sarpy, Destrehan, and St. Rose. Total Enrollment:...1350 Ethnic Distribution:... 57% White, 35% Black, 8% Other Average Class Size...27 Classroom Teachers (regular education)...83 Classroom Teachers (special education)...15 Administrators...6 Counselors...5 Librarians...2 Paraprofessionals...10 Resource Officers...1 School Nurses...1 DHS operates a 4 x 4 block schedule with a hybrid A/B block schedule. Students are scheduled in four 90-minute classes each semester and earn one credit for each class. The first semester is from August to December; second semester is from January to May. A parish wide violence prevention program allows the school to employ a full-time police (resource) officer. Within the school setting, the resource officer mediates student conflicts, becomes familiar with community problems that could surface in the school, and is a resource to teachers and students in the areas of crime and drug prevention. School Data 2016-2017 End of Course Testing (Percentage of students scoring Good or Excellent) Good or Excellent Algebra 1 73% Geometry 73% English II 78% English III 68% US History 74% Biology 69% Advanced Placement (Percentage of students scoring 3, 4, 5 on 2017 A. P. Exams) Advanced Placement 55.6% *A score of 3 or higher will earn the student college credit. 2016-2017 12th Grade ACT Composite Score 19.9
Courses English AP English III & IV English I, II, III, IV Film Literacy Publications (Yearbook) I & II Math Advanced Math I & II Algebra I & II AP Calculus AP Computer Science AP Statistics Financial Mathematics Geometry Math Essentials Science AP Biology Biology I & II Chemistry Physical Science Physics Sports Medicine Environmental Science AP Chemistry Social Studies American Government (Student Council) American History AP American History Civics Economics (Student Council) Psychology AP Psychology World Geography AP Human Geography Arts & Music AP Studio Art Art I - IV Advanced Band Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced Choir Fine Arts Survey Talented Art Talented Drama AP Art History Business Introduction to Business Computer Applications Business Computer Applications (BCA) Web Design Digital Graphics Customer Service Cooperative Office Education (COE) Digital Graphics Principles of Business Entrepreneur Family & Consumer Sciences Adult Responsibilities Early Childhood Education Family & Consumer Science I Nutrition & Foods Parenthood Education Foreign Language French I - III Spanish I - III AP Spanish Health & Physical Education Athletic PE Health Physical Education I - III Jr. Air Force ROTC Health Jr. Air Force ROTC I - V Technology Architectural Drafting Basic & Advanced Wood Technology Basic & Advanced Technical Drafting Basic Electricity Carpentry Computer Electronics Electronics NCCER General Technology Education Television Production I Welding I & II Non-Departmental Electives ACT Preparation Independent Study Speech Journey To Careers Education For Careers Advanced Studies Vocational Offerings for Educationally Handicapped Foods & Nutrition Horticulture Bookstore Day Care Arts & Crafts
Technology in Education Computer Labs for Student Use: Seven computer labs with Pentium-based multimedia computers are used by teachers to integrate technology into instruction. Two additional computer labs are used exclusively by business classes. To give all students access to the latest technology, one computer lab is open until 5:30 three days a week for student use. There are more than 600 computers in the school for use by students. Technology in the Classroom: Every classroom is equipped with 1-4 multimedia computers for both teacher and student instructional use. The school s library is equipped with 26 computers to access the electronic card catalogue. Graphing calculators, digital cameras, digital scanners, LCD projectors, Smart Boards, large screen televisions, VCR s, and laser disc players are all used by both teachers and students in the classroom. Internet Access: Direct access to the internet and the library is available from all classrooms and computer labs. PowerSchool Student records and progress are maintained and updated through PowerSchool. PowerSchool is an Internet-based student information system. The components of PowerSchool allow administrators, teachers and parents (Parent Portal) access to appropriate student information enabling all stakeholders to support teaching and learning. Innovative Programs School to Career: A comprehensive School to Work Program includes Tech Prep, High Schools That Work, and a job shadowing or internship for each student every year. Each year, with the assistance of a counselor, students update a career portfolio that includes course selection and future vocational/ educational plans. Performance Based Diploma Program: For students who have not been successful in the traditional school setting, the Performance Based Diploma Program offers an alternative setting to earn a high school diploma. Students learn academics through interactive computer software and focus on a vocational major to learn work related skills. Students must apply, be screened, and have parental permission to participate. Advanced Studies Program: Challenging the academically accelerated student is the focus of the Advanced Studies Program, a group of honors teachers who work together to set standards for honors classes. Adding rigor to the curriculum by integrating technology, standardizing assessment, and constructing assignments that require higher order thinking are areas that are constantly evaluated and revised. After School Tutoring & Computer Lab Use: Three days a week, after school tutoring with teachers in English, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages is available to all students. On these same three days a week, one multimedia computer lab is open until 4:30 for student use. Work Transition for Non-diploma Students: Students who are identified as Educationally Handicapped and who are unable to work toward a high school diploma are scheduled into a sequential program that emphasizes basic skills in academic areas and vocational skills in horticulture, food services, and entrepreneurship. Mini businesses such as the Wildcat Catering Service, Wildcat Landscaping Service, and DHS Bookstore train students in general and specific employability skills.
Professional Development/Research Based Practices An innovative staff development program ensures that teachers use the latest research based practices in the classroom. As part of a bimonthly study group, all teachers receive training, continue research, and make plans to integrate technology, reading strategies, alternative assessment, cooperative learning, and other research based practices into their daily lessons. Classroom observations by administration, staff development coordinator, and department chairs encourage as well as document the use of research based practices and technology by all DHS teachers. Academic Enrichment Advanced Studies Program: Advanced Studies classes are offered at each grade level in all academic departments (English, math, science, & social studies). Placement is based upon standardized test scores, previous grades, student desire, and parental permission. Advanced Placement Program: Students enrolled in honors classes move into Advanced Placement classes. These classes follow a college level curriculum written by the College Board. At the end of the course, students take a standardized exam that is sent to and graded by the College Board. Based upon the student s exam grade, s/he can earn from 3-9 hours of college credit in each course taken. Technical Training Courses: Three two block classes; computer electronics, carpentry and welding; provide students with real life work experiences and entry level skills to move on to apprenticeships, technical training, or college. Handiwork from these classes can be seen throughout the school. The carpentry class built the outside deck, picnic tables, and the Wildcat Banquet Room. The computer electronics students rebuild and repair used computers for student use. In addition to these in house projects, students from these classes contract to do work with outside businesses and community groups. Focus on the Arts: Identified students participate in talented art and talented drama classes. Choral music, instrumental music, drawing, and painting are also part of the school s elective curriculum. Plays, concerts, and art exhibits take place throughout the school year for students, parents, and community members enjoyment.
Clubs & Activities Competitive Sports Football Volleyball Swimming Basketball Soccer Baseball Golf Softball Tennis Track Wrestling Cross Country Support Activities Cheerleaders Dance Team Color Guard Drill Team Music & Talented Arts Marching & Concert Band Performing Choir Talented Drama Talented Art Clubs Beta Club KOM (KickOff Mentors) Culture Club Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Kitty Hawk Air Society National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Remoulade (Yearbook) Robotics Student Council WISE (Wildcats Interested in Saving the Environment) Literacy Club Quiz Bowl Literary Rally SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Parent/Community Involvement Inclusion on Teams: Teams of teachers meet monthly to give input on policies and decisions in the areas of school climate, facilities & equipment, and school & community. Parent, student, and community representatives serve as team members and give valuable input into school policies. Partner in Education: Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex participates as DHS s Partner in Education. The Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex partnership focuses on making the high school curriculum relevant to the world of work. In the summer, teachers complete internships at the Norco refinery in order to bring first hand knowledge into the classroom. School to Work Shadowing Program: More than 300 businesses work with the DHS School-to-Career office in hosting students for job shadows in the freshman and sophomore years and internships in the junior and senior years. Clubs & Activities Competitive Sports Football Volleyball Swimming Basketball Soccer Baseball Golf Softball Tennis Track Wrestling Cross Country Support Activities Cheerleaders Dance Team Color Guard Drill Team Music & Talented Arts Marching & Concert Band Performing Choir Talented Drama Talented Art Clubs Beta Club KOM (KickOff Mentors) Culture Club Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Kitty Hawk Air Society National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Remoulade (Yearbook) Robotics Student Council WISE (Wildcats Interested in Saving the Environment) Literacy Club Quiz Bowl Literary Rally SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
Parent/Community Involvement Inclusion on Teams: Teams of teachers meet monthly to give input on policies and decisions in the areas of school climate, facilities & equipment, and school & community. Parent, student, and community representatives serve as team members and give valuable input into school policies. Partner in Education: Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex participates as DHS s Partner in Education. The Shell Norco Manufacturing Complex partnership focuses on making the high school curriculum relevant to the world of work. In the summer, teachers complete internships at the Norco refinery in order to bring first hand knowledge into the classroom. School to Work Shadowing Program: More than 300 businesses work with the DHS School-to-Career office in hosting students for job shadows in the freshman and sophomore years and internships in the junior and senior years.