EBR School System to present Black History Talent Showcase 

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s Graduation Excellence Department will present a Black History Talent Showcase from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at Glen Oaks High School, 6650 Cedar Grove Drive. The showcase will feature student performances from various schools throughout the district.

Hosts for the event will be comedian Adonis Reed and counselor Ashley Williams. Guest performances will include the Southern University Gospel Choir, the Sherwood Middle School Dance Ensemble and the Poetic Praise Dance Team.  

Free admission tickets have been awarded as incentives to select area students by school leadership. Seating will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Students will be socially distanced at the event. 

Pathways to Bright Futures informational session postponed

The session was the fourth of seven scheduled by the East Baton Rouge Parish School System to provide information on the Pathways to Bright Futures program, which presents a new opportunity for students to gain access to advanced-level course work.

The McKinley informational session was postponed due to the girls’ basketball team’s participation in the state playoffs. A new date will be shared soon. Continue to monitor the school’s social media channels and ebrschools.org for more information.

The informational session for Istrouma High School is still planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22. The following session is set for 6 p.m. on March 9 at Scotlandville High School.

EBRPSS to Make Masking Optional 

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System continues to monitor COVID-19 transmission rates, and after review and consultation with EBRPSS’s Health Advisory Council, it has been determined that wearing mask face coverings will be optional for staff and students in grades pre-K through 12 in all EBR facilities and schools beginning Monday, Feb. 14.

This decision reflects the district’s 10-day, COVID-19 positivity rate, which is currently below .5%. The district will continue to follow the Louisiana Department of Health’s guidance for self-isolation and self-quarantine. For those opting to not wear masks, this will affect quarantine protocols. For example, if an individual has to self-isolate or quarantine, they can return to school or work (if symptoms are improving and no fever is present) after five days but will be required to wear a mask until the 10th day.  

Please be advised that wearing masks on school buses will still be required as mandated by the federal government. 

For more information, please contact Letrece R. Griffin, director of communications and public relations, at (225) 436-1140 or lgriffin7@ebrschools.org.   

EBRPSS to hold Pathways to Bright Futures Informational Sessions

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System has set the dates and locations for public informational sessions on the district’s Pathways to Bright Futures program.  A least one session will be held in each of the district’s five regions to allow the community an opportunity for input and receive information on the program. Dates and locations for the sessions are:

• Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. — Northeast High School, 13700 Pride-Port Hudson Road, Pride 
• Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. —Broadmoor High School, 10100 Goodwood Blvd. 
• Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. — Istrouma High School, 3730 Winbourne Ave. 
• Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m.  — McKinley High School, 800 E. McKinley St. 
• Wednesday, March 9, a 6 p.m. — Scotlandville High School, 9870 Scotland Ave. 
• Thursday, March 10, at 6 p.m. — Woodlawn High School, 15755 Jefferson Highway 
• Monday, March 14, at 6 p.m.  — Baton Rouge High School, 2825 Government St. 

The Pathways to Bright Futures program is an opportunity for students to graduate from high school with both an associate degree or an industry-based credential, along with their high school diploma. The five pathways are technology; construction and manufacturing; medical and premed; transportation and logistics and liberal arts and management.  

For more information, please contact Letrece R. Griffin, director of communications and public relations, at (225) 436-1140 or lgriffin7@ebrschools.org.