The Plaquemines Parish School Board hosted a showcase titled “The Road Less Traveled” for the community. There are many pathways to success available for students and all of the choices can become quite confusing. The showcase gave the community a chance to learn about the opportunities available within the Plaquemines Parish Schools. Those in attendance included the business community, parents, school board members, and other stakeholders. The evening began with networking in order to highlight the Plaquemines Parish Learning Center which is located in Port Sulphur.

Guests were treated to a wonderful dinner prepared by the South Plaquemines Rotary and Belle Chasse Rotary clubs in conjunction with the culinary arts students at the Learning Center as supervised by Chef Carolyn Barrios. The Plaquemines Rotary chapters participated in observance of the Rotary’s focus on literacy month. Mrs. Kim Vaughan of the Belle Chasse Rotary and Mr. Brian Bubrig of the South Plaquemines Rotary were in attendance to help facilitate the activities.

During dinner, speakers shared information about the progressive programs being offered to PPSB students. Most of the programs are aimed at the 2014 mandates as set forth by the Louisiana Department of Education. These mandates focus on creating pathways of success for PPSB students.

Plaquemines Parish School Board is developing a working relationship with the business community. Business has an “active” voice that helps us to” grow our own.” The information gathered from business and industry within Plaquemines Parish is used to help pinpoint vital job skills from the classroom to the workforce.

After dinner, participants were divided into groups. Each group rotated in ten minute intervals to different presentations. Several of the presentations discussed programs that address dropout prevention. The other presentations concentrated on opportunities such as dual enrollment with Louisiana colleges and nationally recognized industry certifications available for the students.