Red River United

We hope you all have a Thanksgiving full of fun, love, and great food with your friends and family!

Your Red River United Staff will be home this week to enjoy the holiday. Our office will reopen Monday, November 28th.

Congratulations to the Bossier Parish Schools that were recognized as Too Gains for 21-22!

Airline High, Apollo Elementary, Bellaire Elementary, Benton Elementary, Benton Intermediate, Benton High, Benton Middle, Cope Middle, Haughton Elementary, Haughton High, Legacy Elementary, W.T. Lewis Elementary, Kingston Elementary, Parkway High, Plain Dealing High, Plantation Park Elementary, Platt Elementary, T.L. Rodes Elementary, Sun City Elementary and Stockwell Place Elementary.

Congratulations to the Caddo Top Gains Schools! Certified employees who were rated a 2.5 or above in 2021-2022 will receive up to $3000 if you are in a Target School or $1500 for all other schools, and classified staff who were rated meeting expectations or higher are eligible for up to $750 at Target Schools or $500 for all other schools. This will be paid out December 15, 2022.

A.C. Steere Elementary School
Atkins Technology Elementary School
Blanchard Elementary School
Booker T. Washington New Technology High School
Broadmoor STEM Academy
C.E. Byrd High School
Caddo Career and Technology Center
Caddo Heights Math/Science Elementary School
Caddo Middle Career and Technology School
Caddo Parish Magnet High School
Caddo Parish Middle Magnet School
Captain Shreve High School
Cherokee Park Elementary School
Claiborne Fundamental Elementary School
Creswell Elementary School
Donnie Bickham Middle School
Eighty-First Street ECE Center
Fair Park Middle School
Fairfield Magnet School
Forest Hill Elementary School
Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy
Herndon Magnet School
Huntington High School
J. S. Clark Elementary School
Judson Fundamental Elementary School
Keithville Elementary/Middle School
Midway Professional Development Center
Mooringsport Elementary School
North Caddo Elementary-Middle School
North Caddo High School
Northside Elementary School
Northwood High School
Oak Park Microsociety Elementary School
Pine Grove Elementary School
Queensborough Elementary School
Ridgewood Middle School
Riverside Elementary School
Shreve Island Elementary School
South Highlands Elementary Magnet School
Southern Hills Elementary School
Summer Grove Elementary School
Summerfield Elementary School
Sunset Acres Elementary School
Turner Elementary Middle School
University Elementary School
Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle School
Westwood Elementary School
Woodlawn Leadership Academy
Youree Dr. Middle Advanced Placement Magnet School

Vision

As a member of RRU, you can save BIG on eye care and eyewear!
Check out the link below if you are interested!

Vision Union Plus benefits offered by the AFL-CIO's Union Privilege provides consumer savings, discounts, benefits, and education resources to active and retired labor union members.

Dental

RRU members! Check out this offer by clicking the link below. You can access these benefits and more through your UnionPlus app or by clicking the link below. You may have to create an account if you have not done so already.

Dental Union Plus benefits offered by the AFL-CIO's Union Privilege provides consumer savings, discounts, benefits, and education resources to active and retired labor union members.

Congratulations, Benjamin Simmons of Youree Drive Middle School, for being recognized by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce 2022 Young Professionals Initiative in being a 40 under 40 Honoree! Thank you for your membership and all you do!

Caddo Incentive Payout Dates:

All are based on proficient evaluations- a 2.5 or above is what you must have to qualify.

Target Schools Incentive for Certified- 12/2/22

Math Incentive for Teachers- 12/15/22

Caddo Gains for Certified and Classified- 12/15/22

Highly Effective Incentive for Certified- 12/2/22

Thank you for your service.

AT&T

Save money every month on your phone bill!

We've got the wireless savings for your family's needs. Visit your nearest AT&T store and show proof of union membership. See complete details on coupon.

AT&T Union Plus benefits offered by the AFL-CIO's Union Privilege provides consumer savings, discounts, benefits, and education resources to active and retired labor union members.

Today is the day. Let your voice be heard.

The following school board candidates were endorsed or found favorable in Caddo Parish:

District 1: Kisha Gayle Newsom-Endorsed

District 2: Orlisa Nash Johnson*– Endorsed

District 3: Terence Vinson (unopposed)- Favorable

District 4: Don Little (unopposed)- Favorable

District 5: Bonita Douzart (unopposed)- Favorable

District 6: Mary Trammel (unopposed)- Favorable

District 7: Darrin Dixon- Favorable
Linda Rasberry Smith*– Favorable

District 8: Mike Morales*– Endorsed

District 9: Barry Rachal (unopposed)- Favorable

District 10: Jon Shaffer Glover*– Favorable Rodney Jiles- Favorable

District 11: John Albritton- Favorable
Jessica Yeates- Favorable

District 12: Dottie Bell-Endorsed

The following school board candidate was endorsed or found favorable in Bossier Parish:

District 12: Zandra Ashley

The following school board candidate were endorsed or found favorable in DeSoto Parish:

District 5: Katina Lane

The following school board candidate was endorsed or found favorable in Red River Parish:

District 1: Melinda Hardy

The following mayoral candidate was endorsed or found favorable in Minden:

Terika Walker

*RRU member

Movie Tickets

Movie Tickets Union Plus benefits offered by the AFL-CIO's Union Privilege provides consumer savings, discounts, benefits, and education resources to active and retired labor union members.

Red River United is proud to Endorse Katina Lane for DeSoto Parish School Board, District 5. Vote November 8

KaTina Lane believes in:

-Putting students and teachers first
-Equitable resources and an equal and quality education for all students of DeSoto Parish
-School Board accountability and transparency
-Building sustainable relationships between the community and school system
-Equipping parents with the right tools and information to assist their children in their educational journey
-Supporting pay raises for teachers and staff
-Supporting duty free lunch for teachers
-Teacher and Support staff union representation in the schools and in New Teacher Orientation

Vote Orlisa NASH Johnson - Caddo Parish School Board District 2 - November 8

Vote Orlisa NASH Johnson - Caddo Parish School Board District 2 - November 8

Vote Orlisa Nash Johnson for District 2 Caddo School Board on November 8th! She is a lifelong educator who actually KNOWS what schools and students NEED!

Vote Orlisa NASH Johnson - Caddo Parish School Board District 2 - November 8

Red River United would like to spotlight a longstanding member of ours who is running for mayor in the city of Minden, LA in the November 8, 2022 elections!

Terika Walker believes in:
MUNICIPAL UNIFICATION
• As Mayor, my first and most important job is to unify our City. A Strong
Minden is a Together Minden. We all want the best for our city and our
children. A Walker Administration will put the "We" before "Me".
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• As your next mayor, one of my major concerns is economic development.
I'll reduce unnecessary regulations and support business. Minden must
encourage small and emerging enterprises.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
• Minden has high electricity costs. We must examine every alternative to give our
citizens affordable energy and expand businesses. I'll review all contracts and work
with the Public Service Commission. State and Federal Government, and USDA to
work toward solutions.
SCHOOL SAFETY
• As your next mayor, I'll work with all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive
school safety plan for our children and teachers. Children and professionals can't learn amidst fear.

Red River United is proud to endorse Zandra Ashley for Bossier Parish School Board, District 12.

Vote November 8.

1. Prioritizing the student and community needs. I will work with all members on the board, in our system, our district, and community, to provide quality education to every student. I am committed to working with teachers by listening to their suggestions and strategies that work in the classroom to assure that we are doing all we can to ask questions, find solutions and aim for academic excellence in every way.

2. We must work to retain certified teachers in our schools and in the classroom. We don’t have a shortage of teachers in Louisiana. We have a shortage of teachers in our classrooms; Teacher and school employee retention is based on equity and being considered in the decision-making process as a professional.

3. Transparency and accountability from our schools and the Bossier Parish School Board. Access for stakeholders to voice their needs and concerns to the Bossier Parish School Board. We only learn when we listen.

4. Teachers and school employees are students, parents, and everyday citizens. They have needs at home as well. Though the responsibilities of their positions must be top priority. No one, male nor female should be denied sabbatical leave if earned.

5. We can work to provide a more than decent salary for our teachers and school employees while implementing sound judgement in our spending. It is evident that BPSB teachers and all teachers are struggling to make ends meet in today’s economy. They need to reach the Southern Regional Average when it comes to salaries.

Halloween Activities and Lesson Plans

Share My Lesson has some fun Halloween themed lesson plans for this week! Check them out by clicking below 🎃👻

Halloween Activities and Lesson Plans Explore Share My Lesson’s free preK-12 Halloween activities, lesson plans and resources to have fun teaching new concepts.

Early voting kicks off today!
For a detailed list of early voting locations in your parish, login to the voter portal at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Apply for Public Loan Forgiveness before Oct. 31st!
“Waiting to apply could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or exclude you from Public Service Loan Forgiveness.”

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness before the Oct. 31 deadline. Waiting could exclude or cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

BESE Considers Changes to Your Salary and Workload

BESE Considers Changes to Your Salary and Workload On Tuesday, October 11th and 12th, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) held their regularly scheduled October meetings. There was increased interest and scrutiny because of a few controversial issues on the agenda: funding and accountability.FUNDING & RAISESTuesday’s committee m...

The deadline for registering through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Tuesday, Oct. 18. This deadline is for citizens who have never registered to vote as well as voters who would like to make changes to their registration.
If unsure of your voter registration status, you may check your status or register to vote online at www.GeauxVote.com

Red River United is proud to Endorse Melinda Hardy for Red River Parish School Board District 1.

Some needs of Red River Parish students and schools are:
a. More community involvement. Involve parents in their children’s education whenever possible.
b. Work on reducing class size. Teachers are spread thin and students do not get the personal attention they require.
c. We must build in duty-free lunch for all of our employees.
d. Provide mentors for new and struggling teachers.
e. High school students need Advisors to help them apply for colleges, find and apply for scholarships and help with career choices.
f. A school to work curriculum must be included for junior and senior high schools.

How can I help improve the schools in Red River Parish?
a. I will listen to the community concerning issues facing the schools, as well as hear experiences and thoughts from teachers, educators and staff.
b. My priority is student achievement. My focus will always be on student outcomes.
c. I think it is important to set high academic standards, ensure transparency and accountability, create a safe and positive school culture, and advance policies that allow every student to thrive.
d. The school board and administration must hold themselves accountable and be transparent in the interest of ALL stakeholders.

Vote for Melinda Hardy for Red River Parish School Board District 1 on November 8

Dottie Rings the Bell for District 12

She was instrumental in:
Moving Huntington High School back to 9th to 12th grade.
Huntington is now one of the largest high schools in Caddo.
Huntington has a dual enrollment program with students earning an associates degree before graduating. This even includes 11th graders who will earn a degree this year.
Huntington High School has been recognized by the Board of Regents for having the largest dual enrollment program in the state. The principal of Huntington High School was last year's state finalist for Principal of the Year.

The Caddo Board supported Dottie in renaming the field the Tony Rose Field in recognition for being the first coach of the high school.

The Huntington Law Magnet has been revamped and is in talks to partner with Southern Law School.

All the school in District 12 have grown in attendance and test scores.

Walnut Hill has now included a health clinic in order to serve children in the rural community.

Turner has now returned to a K-8, providing targeted services.

And the list goes on and on. Dottie truly Rings the Bell for District 12 boys and girls.

Orlissa stands for the opportunity of a quality education for all students.

She believes students in District 2 should be provided the same educational opportunities as students in other districts.

She believes the Caddo Parish Public School System belongs to the PUBLIC.

She believes that all teachers and school employees should be respected and supported.

She supports the Caddo Board's proposal to provide maternity and adoption leave to support employees.

She believes that parents and guardians should be encouraged to have input in their child's education.

She believes the Caddo Board should welcome input from the community.

She believes the Caddo Board should be transparent and should be accountable.

Thank the CPSB for Expanding Extended Sick Leave & Family Leave to Support Staff

Thank the CPSB for Expanding Extended Sick Leave & Family Leave to Support Staff On October 18th the Caddo Parish School Board will vote on a policy change intended to expand maternity leave for support staff. Caddo’s original policy, which reflects state policy, only allowed teachers who have no remaining sick time to be granted up to 30 days of maternity leave or adopted lea...

Our favorite Saturdays are the ones where we help educators! We were privileged to partner with CPSB Security and Youree Drive to bring the crisis management training, The First 30 Seconds, to Caddo educators.

Red River United is Proud to endorse Kisha Newsom for Caddo Parish School Board District 1. Kisha believes every parent should have input in their child's education. Every child should get a quality education, regardless of where they live. Every child should be provided safe transportation to and from school. Our teachers and school employees should be treated as professionals. The school board should be held to the highest standard of transparency and accountability.

On November 8th, join with us in voting for Kisha Newsom Caddo Parish School Board District 1

✅this out! 💰

KickUp Pulse - Log In

For CADDO EMPLOYEES:

Situational Awareness
(The First 30 Seconds)

This course will help participants develop situational awareness by using realistic, school specific crisis scenarios that utilize a powerful evidence-based concept known as mental simulation. This practice helps participants develop and draw from their personal base of knowledge in order to quickly assess and respond in an emergency situation.

Oct. 1 at Youree Drive Middle School. The time is 8am -11am. Use the link below to register.

https://pulse.kickup.co/accounts/login/?next=/events/browse/gtg3dCQBGU45SRw35LyrU7/announcements/

KickUp Pulse - Log In

We are so happy to help fund a sensory room this year for students with Autism in Caddo Parish! We are thankful AFT offers the Back to School What Kids and Communities Need Campaign in order for us to help serve our community! You may remember this is the same grant we received last year to provide backpacks and books for the Bossier boys and girls of the Latino community as well as For the Love of Reading books for Red River Parish students. We all do better when we work together!

Caddo Parish School Board Endorsements

Red River United has made its endorsements for the 2022 CPSB Elections.
http://redriverunited.org/caddo-parish-school-board-endorsements/

Caddo Parish School Board Endorsements For a public education union, electing the right school board candidates for our members is extremely important. In Caddo, the stakes are even higher to elect the right people because we have voted as a body to petition the board for a union contract. We focus on policies and practices rather...