Dr. Kelli Joseph
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Dear St. Helena Parish Community,
As we reach the midpoint of the break, I want to take a moment to share some important reminders and encourage our collective preparation for the start of the 2025–2026 school year, which is just around the corner.
This year, our district is fully committed to raising student achievement and improving performance on state standardized assessments. For too long, St. Helena Parish has carried the burden of underperformance, and now—together—we must commit to meaningful, lasting change. Our focus is clear: we must improve academic outcomes for all learners, and we need every parent, guardian, and community member engaged in this effort.
As part of this commitment, we are implementing a vital academic requirement for a specific group of students. Families of identified students have already been notified that their child must complete 30 hours of i-Ready remediation in order to be promoted to the next grade level. This expectation is firm and non-negotiable. These targeted support hours are not busywork—they are intentional, personalized learning opportunities designed to close skill gaps and prepare our learners for future success.
There will be no exceptions for lack of internet access, family travel, or other scheduling conflicts. We have provided ample time and guidance to complete this requirement, and now we need every family to take it seriously. This is about ensuring our students do not fall further behind.
We are at a critical turning point in St. Helena Parish. Our children deserve a high-quality education that prepares them to compete, succeed, and thrive beyond the classroom. As we prepare for a new school year, I ask each of you to partner with us in this important work. Talk with your children about the importance of their education. Check in on their progress. Let them know that we believe in them—and that hard work now will open doors later.
Let this be the year we begin to see real, measurable change. We’ve been low-performing long enough. It’s time for a new chapter in St. Helena—and that starts with all of us working together.
Thank you for your continued support, your involvement, and your belief in the potential of our students. I look forward to welcoming you back for what promises to be a powerful and purposeful school year.
Warm regards,
Kelli Joseph, Ed.D.
Click HERE to read our strategic plan to improve the academic performance of our learners in St. Helena Parish. We are committed to:
Learning, Engagement, and being Data-Driven
Increasing Capacity and Improving Effectiveness
Improving Infrastructure and Building Community