Superintendent reports storm recovery, summer programs and a July 25 youth rally with backpack giveaway

Superintendent Ken Orling updated the board on hurricane-season preparedness and recent storm recovery, described ongoing summer learning and professional development offerings, and announced a youth rally/backpack giveaway scheduled for Saturday, July 25.

Orling said the district worked closely with parish emergency operation centers during Tropical Storm Arthur; flood damage occurred at six district sites and maintenance and capital crews were deployed to assess and repair those locations. He urged continued attention to preparedness during hurricane season, which extends through November.

Orling also outlined academic supports available this summer: K–2 learning packets, digital resources for grades 3–5, Zearn access for middle schoolers, and summer-school and extended-year opportunities for high-school and special-education students. He highlighted the district’s performing-arts and math standards professional-development events held in early June.

The superintendent announced a youth rally and backpack giveaway on July 25 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Jerusalem Shriner Center parking lot, 1940 Ormond Boulevard in Destrehan. The event is a drive-through format and the first 500 St. Charles Parish residents will receive school supplies; sponsors include the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the parish Department of Community Services, United Way of St. Charles and St. Charles Parish Public Schools.

Orling concluded by thanking maintenance and capital staff for recovery work and encouraging the community to thank teachers and administrators for summer professional development.

Next steps: crews will continue site repairs and the district will promote the youth rally to eligible residents.