May 15, 2017
The 2017 Spring Exam Schedule has been released. Students will begin taking final exams on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Students’ last exams will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.
Thursday, May 18th, and Friday, May 19th, will both be full school days. Students will be dismissed at 2:31. Monday, May 22nd, and Tuesday, May 23rd, will both be early dismissal days. Students will be released at 11:30 am.
Students are reminded that all uniform codes and school rules apply during exam days. Students should not bring book bags or large purses onto campus on exam days.
Students are also reminded that they should not go onto any other school campus after exams.
2017-SPRING-EXAM-SCHEDULE
May 1, 2017
This April, Woodlawn High’s Team Spirit Club, along with ICare, sponsored a Mock Crash on campus. This crash is the second part of a three part series, The Sudden Impact Program, that students at Woodlawn participate in. As tenth graders, students take a Sudden Impact class, followed by the Mock Crash for juniors, and a Mock Trial for seniors.
Four students, Ma’Kayla Odom, Alexis Martin, Hannah Luker, and Selena Seitz, played the parts of students involved in a head on collision. Their parents, along with personnel from Our Lady of the Lake Medical Emergency Center, Louisiana State Police, St. George Fire Department, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office, took their respective roles as the scene unfolded for the Mock Crash.
The scene was a reenactment of the immediate aftermath of a crash in which drivers and passengers are injured. The audience of juniors watched quietly, allowing them to see first-hand how drinking and driving impacts everyone involved.
Each year teens from across our state lose their lives to impaired driving. Motor Vehicle Crashes remain the leading cause of death for teenagers aged 16 to 19 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This age group is three times more likely than drivers ages 20 and older to be involved in a fatal crash.
The Mock Crash underscored the consequences of drinking and driving, the impact of seat belt usage, and the emotional suffering families endure when a fatal crash occurs in reality. The ultimate goal is that seeing friends participate in the crash helps students realize that it can happen to anyone at any point in time, and the importance of really needing to be responsible for their actions. The Sudden Impact Program is an effective way to educate students on the dangers of distracted driving.
Apr 24, 2017
Woodlawn High School recognized its seniors that have been accepted to colleges or universities and/or enlisted in the US Armed Services on April 11, 2017 at the annual Senior Signing Day program. The program began with a musical prelude performed by the WHS Orchestra under the direction of Deborah Falco. The presentation of the colors and the stating of the Pledge of Allegiance was conducted by the WHS JROTC program. Principal Stevens welcomed families, thanking them for their dedication to their child’s education over the last thirteen years of school.
Students enjoy the reception following Senior Signing Day.
Senior Class President, Marcus Jones introduced guest speaker, Jay Ducote, a well-known culinary personality from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Ducote spoke of his experiences during and after college that led to his current role in writing food blogs, competing in national cooking competitions, and opening his own restaurant, Gov’t Taco this year in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Ducote’s biggest piece of advice was to “not be afraid to figure out what you don’t want to do” because that is what led him to following his passion, Louisiana culture and its cuisine. He emphasized the importance of the students finding their passions and to be happy in whatever they choose to do.
Following Mr. Ducote’s insightful speech, students were recognized for their academic accomplishments. 70 students, representing acceptances to approximately 25 colleges and three branches of the US Military were honored during the ceremony. Colleges and universities that were represented ranged from local favorites, Baton Rouge Community College, Louisiana State University A&M, and University of Louisiana at Lafayette to out-of-state options, Howard University, Morehouse College, and Emory University.
Students were given an opportunity to come on stage to announce their post-secondary plans, including the college they will be attending, military branch for which they will be enlisting, and/or their choice of major. Many students are prepared to begin studies in specialized areas, including mechanical and electrical engineering, biology with a focus in pre-medicine, and nursing with a focus on neo-natal care. Several students found inspiration from Mr. Ducote’s speech and were not afraid to say they were “undecided” with their major at this time. Honorees received a certificate to recognize their accomplishments, a special pen with the quote, “Dream. Believe. Create. Succeed.” etched on it, and lapel pin that reads “Class of 2017” that they will wear on their gown at graduation.
A reception followed the event in which parents, students, teachers and counselors were able to gather to commemorate the day through group photographs and conversations that will echo in their hearts as they begin the next chapter in their life. Woodlawn High School would like to once again congratulate its seniors for their accomplishments and wish them luck on their journeys.
Mar 13, 2017
Sarah Hayden, ’17
Woodlawn High School’s Marching Band participated in several Mardi Gras parades over the past few weekends, including the Krewe of Orion and Krewe of Mystique de la Capitale.
The marching band takes part in parades each year to raise money for new equipment, instruments, and new uniforms. Parades are also a great way to rehearse and perform outside of football season. Last year, the band was able to purchase a new trailer after the Mardi Gras season.
The parade organizers contact Woodlawn and request the band’s participation. The band members and leaders appreciate the opportunity to represent Woodlawn in such a public forum. The hardest challenge in doing these parades is for the band to find time to rehearse and review concepts such as marching, formation, and revisiting their music.
The band really enjoys doing these parades; it’s the highlight of their Mardi Gras season!
