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South Downs Pre‑K highlights inclusive swim lessons, athletics and request for inclusive playground
Summary
South Downs Pre‑K principal Shalika Scott told the board the school serves about 162 pre‑K students, about 65% who receive exceptional student services; the school reported free swim lessons for 121 students, inclusive athletics and a design for an inclusive playground that needs funding.
South Downs Pre‑K Center Principal Shalika Scott described the campus’s inclusive programs and needs to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on May 15, saying the school serves about 162 three‑ and four‑year‑olds and that roughly 65% of students receive exceptional student services.
Scott told the board South Downs’s site performance rating is “high proficient” with a score of 5.29 and that instructional observations under the CLASS rubric show classroom organization averaged 5.82 and instructional support averaged 3.85. She said the lower instructional‑support score reflects the school’s high population of students with developmental delays and that the district is discussing rubric adjustments with the Louisiana Department of Education.
Programs and partnerships: Scott said 121 students received free swim lessons this year at Crawfish Aquatics and the YMCA, a program she described as “the gift of life” because drowning is a leading cause of death for children under 5. The school also runs inclusive athletics—T‑ball and soccer—with 17 and about 14 participants respectively, and partners with the YMCA and private grants for programming.
Playground request and next steps: Scott said LSU College of Engineering students have designed an inclusive playground, but the school lacks sufficient funding for full construction. She said the ADF provided some grant funding for a playhouse but additional funds are needed for a full inclusive playground so “all 162 students at South Downs can actually play together.” Superintendent Cole acknowledged the request and said the district would work with Scott and staff, noting repeated conversations with facilities staff about the need.
Why it matters: South Downs is a dedicated pre‑K site with a high share of students receiving special services; the school’s swim lessons, inclusive athletics and proposed playground address safety, equity and access. Scott also described parent engagement efforts including monthly “lunch and learns,” health fairs and recruitment that produced a waiting list for the first time in six or seven years.
Location and invitation: Scott invited board members and community members to visit South Downs at 2050 Hood Avenue (near Perkins Road) to see programming and services firsthand.
