TFAE Seeks Award Nominations

The Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) is seeking nominations from the community of an individual who is recognized for vision and excellence in their chosen field or other areas of personal endeavors.

The James J. Buquet, Jr. Award of Distinction is presented to a Terrebonne Parish Public High School graduate that has provided service unselfishly to his or her community, state, nation, or internationally.

A nomination form is attached below or can be requested by emailing ashlee@tfae.org. Deadline to turn in nomination forms is midnight Feb 16, 2024.

The James J. Buquet Jr. Award was established by TFAE in 2018 to honor Mr. Buquet’s commitment to public education. Since then, this award of distinction has been awarded to James J. Buquet, Jr. (posthumously), Mary Cosper LeBoeuf, Barry Melancon, Dr. Mary Eschete, Clifford Smith, The Honorable Stanwood Duval, Dr. Craig Walker, Bobby Boudreaux, Chuck Weaver, Sr., Hunt Downer, Dr. James Charles, Paul Labat, Jonathan Foret, Ken Well

TFAE is an independent local non-profit organization that strives to positively affect academic achievement and to fundamentally improve education. TFAE has awarded more than $2 million grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers since 2012.

Download "Nomination FormJJB.doc"

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YOUR DONATION MAKING AN IMPACT 

Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence has selected their 2023-2024 grant recipients. This year, TFAE allocated a total of $72,306.35 dollars. TFAE awarded $54,000 dollars in New Teacher Grant money and $18,306.35 in “other grants”.
All 108 applications submitted for a New Teacher Grant were funded. Each new teacher received $500.00. The list of recipients included teachers that are new to the parish within the past three years, new to the school within the past three years, new to the subject within the past three years or first year in the classroom. Teachers from across the parish was represented.
The other grants awarded include the TFAE Philip Martin Grant and Innovated ED Venture grants.  Ms. Victoria Bouquet at Legion Park received the Philip Martin Grant in the amount of $2,100 for her “STEM Learning Leads to Creative Minds” project. In addition, an Innovated Ed Venture grant was awarded to both Ms. Trisha Authement at Mulberry Elementary and Ms. Jennifer Hopkins at Terrebonne High School. Ms. Authement  received $11,890.35 to fund her “STEAM- Lining the Library project” and Ms. Hopkins received 4,316.00 to fund the “Devices of Math”.   
“As a testament to our mission, TFAE has invested over 3.5 million dollars into the classrooms. We strive to fund projects that make the most impact and supplement the learning experience. It is only with our community partners and donors that we can continue to impact the classrooms one grant at a time”, executive director Ashlee Barahona.

2023 New Teacher Grant Winners 

Hannah Perkins
Abilene Ailshire
Lainie Amedee
ChandraGambler-Torbert
Courtney LeBoeuf
Kallee Zeringue
Kristen Luke
Priscilla Johnson
Rebecca Pitre
Rebecca Shaneyfelt
Angela Prejean
Abigail Pizzo
Sarah
Loupe
ArielleProsperie
ReneeBorne
Kristi Lirette
Danielle Messina
Megan Wren
Taylor Griffin
Seth Billiot
Emily White
Madisen Bergeron
Erin Boudreaux
Anne Marie Naquin
Cassidy Barrios
Julie Clements
Annette Trussell
Dominique Naquin
Madeline Gaiennie
Peyton Larousse
Dawn Dupre
Kylie Verdin
Melanie Pellegrin
Andrea Donaldson
Leeza Barrilleaux
Amber Kurtz
Ashley Clement
Cynthia Davis
Victoria Battaglia

Suzanne Landry
Italia Houston 
Micheal Cartozzo
LaTonya Neville
Tammy Sons
Mary Gautreaux
Erin Carlos
Alison Theriot
Caitlynn Salassi
Melissa Brooks
Garrett Frazier
Monique Lapeyrouse
Nicole LeCompte
Chelsea Pitre

Noelie Rome 
Angelle Cheramie
Aimee'Belt
Kristen Stevens
Hope Dupuy
Julie Sothern
Danny Blanchard
Bessie Alexander
Sinead Fontenette
Jasmine Williams
Breanna Hebert
Elreakwon Duncan
Rhea' Patureau-Coleman
Jennifer Adams
Whitney baye
Lauren Guidry
Lauren Palmer
Zipporah Landry
Kristal Eimer
Madison Hebert
Tara LaRocca
Mary Theriot
Karli Ojeda

TEACHER IN ACTION
IDA RECOVERY

Emily Tuttle sprung into action, she went looking for her students in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. A teacher at Village East, one of the hardest hit areas in our community, Emily made it her mission with the help of generous donors to bring supplies to the families that needed it the most. She found most of her students had to leave the neighborhood due to such unlivable conditions. The families she was able to reach were some of the most grateful people she had ever met and they have touched her soul forever.
Thank You Emily, for being more than a teacher, thank you for being a Teacher in Action and a hero!

Do you know of a "Teacher In Action"?
Email your story to ashlee@tfae.org.

WE WILL REBUILD TOGETHER 
Emily

Shell Pipeline Co. donates 300 Pre-filled Backpacks to students in Terrebonne Parish 

TFAE would like to thank Shell Pipeline Co. for donating more than 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students in Terrebonne Parish.
Backpacks will be dispersed among all elementary and middle schools across Terrebonne Parish.
We are proud to work with local and regional businesses like Shell to provide resources to our local students.

If your children are in need of school supplies, please contact Kwanzaa Johnson McKinney-Vento Liaison Terrebonne Parish School Board Office at 985-879-6400 ext. 264


Pictured left-right
Kwanzaa Johnson, Mckinney-Vento Liaison; Philph Martin, Terrebonne Parish Superintendent; Cheryl Degruise, Supervisor of Federal Programs, Matthew Pregeant, Shell Oil; Ashlee Barahona TFAE Executive Director.
 
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COMMUNITY CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT: 

Community champion
As the world continues to respond to COVID-19, we all need to do our part to “slow the spread”.
Our healthcare providers are the true heroes in this pandemic. Terrebonne General is the heartbeat of our community and TFAE’s partner in public education.
Terrebonne General works tirelessly keeping the residents of the bayou region healthy, and alive. They also expand their community investment by supporting TFAE, being the 5kRun for Excellence’s naming sponsor since 2007. They have representatives serve on our board of directors and generously support special events throughout the year. It is because of their commitment and dedication that we highlight Terrebonne General as TFAE’s Community Champion.

Thank you for impacting the little minds of today; the future leaders of tomorrow.

Pictured from left to right:
Rhonda Alfred; Director of Marketing Terrebonne General; Daniel J. Walker, Founding TFAE Board Member; Mark Felger, TFAE Treasurer; Mary Ditch, Board Member; Steven Barbera, TFAE Vice President; Phyllis Peoples, CEO Terrebonne General Health System; Ashlee Barahona, TFAE Executive Director; Sherri Roach, TFAE Board President; Allie Casey, Board Member; George Robichaux, Board Member; Stan Gravois, Board Member and Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Center at Terrebonne General.

Bayou Community Foundation Awards Grant for Local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

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Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) was awarded an $10,000 grant from the Bayou Community Foundation (BCF) for the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

TFAE was one of 30 non-profit recipients who received a grant through BCF’s annual competitive grants program that awarded more than $226,000 to local non-profit organizations.

BCF’s grant to TFAE will be used to enroll 400 Terrebonne Parish children ages 0-5 into the program, which mails registered children an age-appropriate book every month to their home until their fifth birthday. While free for local families to participate, the program costs TFAE approximately $80,000 a year to fund in Terrebonne Parish. The program is sustained through fundraisers, individual donations, grants, and our endowment. TFAE currently has approximately 3,400 children enrolled in the program.

“We are so grateful to the Bayou Community Foundation and their many donors for their continued support of education in our community,” Ashlee Barahona, TFAE Executive Director said.

TFAE Funds 300,000+ Books to Date

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As of July 2021, TFAE has mailed 301,007 books to local children through the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! Through this program, registered children receive an age-appropriate book every month until their fifth birthday at no cost to their family.

Click here to learn more or to register a child.

TFAE Welcomes two new board members

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TFAE welcomes two new executive board members. Dr. Regina Verdin and Mary Ditch.
Dr. Regina Verdin is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Initiatives at Fletcher Community College. She also serves on the Bayou Arts Council Board and Career Magnet Center Board. Dr. Verdin says she is "excited about the opportunity to give back to our community and represent Fletcher on our board".

Mary Ditch is the Associate Publisher for Rushing Media and Reimagine Marking. She serves on the Krewe Of Hyacinthians Board, and the SCIA Golf Tournament Committee. She has been a volunteer at  Mary Bird Perkins since 2015. Ms. Ditch believes in supporting children because they are the future of our community, She says, "if we truly want what's best for Terrebonne Parish, it starts with our youth".

We are excited to have these two valuable members of our community serve on our board. 

Cajuns Who Code:
Presented by Chevron and TFAE

The Cajuns Who Code Summer Session, which was presented by Chevron and TFAE hosted by Terrebonne Parish School District offered hands-on STEM activities, interactive lessons, and community collaboration for both girls and boys in Terrebonne Parish. The campers learned the basics of computer programming and put their new skills to the test by coding their own characters and participating in activities that included games, mad libs, and dance battles. Using Makey Makey kits, an electronic invention tool, they also connected everyday objects to their computer. This allowed for them to learn about open and closed circuits, technology, and more.

We also had a guest speaker from Chevron, Scott Hebert. Mr. Hebert is the Prevention Specialist for the Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. He spoke about his role working on the most technological advanced rig located in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Ashlee Barahona, TFAE Executive Director. says, "it takes a village; from our lead facilitators, TPSD, TFAE, and the Summer Enrichment Camp we were able to impact hundreds of little minds". "We hope to continue this program for many years to come."

TFAE Seeks Award Nominations

The Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) is seeking nominations from the community of an individual who is recognized for vision and excellence in their chosen field or other areas of personal endeavors.

The James J. Buquet, Jr. Award of Distinction is presented to a Terrebonne Parish Public High School graduate that has provided service unselfishly to his or her community, state, nation, or internationally.

A nomination form is attached below or can be requested by emailing ashlee@tfae.org. Deadline to turn in nomination forms is February 12, 2021.

The James J. Buquet Jr. Award was established by TFAE in 2018 to honor Mr. Buquet’s commitment to public education. Since then, this award of distinction has been awarded to James J. Buquet, Jr. (posthumously), Mary Cosper LeBoeuf, Barry Melancon, Dr. Mary Eschete, Clifford Smith, The Honorable Stanwood Duval, Dr. Craig Walker, Bobby Boudreaux, Chuck Weaver, Sr., Hunt Downer, and Dr. James Charles.

TFAE is an independent local non-profit organization that strives to positively affect academic achievement and to fundamentally improve education. TFAE has awarded more than $1.3 million grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers since 2012.

Download "Nomination Form.doc"

Girls Who Code  Camp Teaches Local
Students STEM Skills and Life Lessons

Recently, 25 local girls participated in a camp focused on computer coding as well as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Girls Who Code Summer Session, which was sponsored by Chevron and hosted by Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE), offered hands-on STEM activities, interactive lessons, and community collaboration. The girls learned the basics of computer programming and put their new skills to the test by coding their own characters and participating in activities that included games, mad libs, and dance battles. Using Makey Makey kits, an electronic invention tool, they also connected everyday objects to their computer. This allowed for them to learn about open and closed circuits, technology, and more.

“The weeklong experience was about so much more than computing; it was a week of sisterhood and learning to empower one another, build confidence and be ‘brave not perfect’,” said Ashlee Barahona, Executive Director of TFAE. “Each camper was special, and I see our workforce being empowered by strong women like these in the future.”

In addition, the camp featured several speakers. Tashika Charles and Kay Byrd from Chevron shared specifics on their STEM careers, while offering the girls advice on time management and staying focused on their goals. Two additional speakers from Chevron, Shruthi Avantsa and Ana Simonato, also participated in the camp virtually.  

“When young women meet role models that use STEM and coding in their career, they begin to see these professions as viable opportunities they could pursue,” said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “We have a unique opportunity - and responsibility - to help these girls build confidence in these subjects. At Chevron, we are committed to investing in critical programs like Girls Who Code which inspire young minds and foster a passion for learning.  We’re proud to be a part of it.”

Girls Who Code is an international organization that offers opportunities for girls to learn about STEM through coding. The group also works to build confidence, a sense of sisterhood, and encourage bravery as girls explore typically male-dominated STEM career paths.  Girls Who Code was first introduced to Terrebonne Parish when TFAE and Chevron funded a grant to local teacher Melissa Williamson to start her own club. Since then, the program has grown regionally through other school-based organizations and the annual camp sponsored by Chevron. Melissa, along with three other TPSD teachers, served as camp facilitators.

“We are incredibly grateful to Chevron for their continued support of TFAE and local education,” Barahona said. “We are so proud of all the girls and hope they will use their experience to further explore their interest in STEM.”

Thanks to Chevron’s donation, the girls were each given their own Makey Makey kits, all the supplies needed, a science journal, a novel, and lots of other fun items like a camp t-shirt, a binary bracelet making kit, and much more. Chromebooks were also provided for those who needed them. Local companies like T Baker Smith, Papi Cheo, Hancock Whitney, Chick-Fil-A, Downtown Jeaux’s Coffee and Synergy Bank donated meals to the camp. Additionally, Evolution Training taught the girls a self-defense class. Fletcher Community College donated space for the camp, and the Terrebonne Parish School District provided transportation for the girls to and from the camp.

to learn more about Girls Who Code, click here. 

TFAE Awards More Than $66,000 in Grants 

Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) has awarded ninety (90) grants for a total of $66,047 to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers for the 2020-2021 school year.

Grants awarded include New Teacher Grants, Innovative Ed-Venture Grants, and COVID-19 Challenges Grants to teachers across the parish.

Five (5) teachers received the TFAE Innovative Ed-Venture Grant, which encourages teachers to submit bold and innovative ideas and projects that would actively engage their students. These grants ranged in dollar amounts from $742 to $5,995. 

TFAE also awarded fifty-five (55) New Teacher Grants, which are for teachers new to teaching (or new to a subject or school) to use for classroom supplies. This $500 grant helps ease the financial burden on teachers to fund crayons, pencils, papers, storage, dry erase boards, and much more that is needed for their classroom to function.

Lastly, thirty (30) teachers were awarded the COVID-19 Challenges Grant, a new grant created for this year’s unique school year. Teachers were awarded up to $1,000 for supplies, software, and/or technology needed to teach effectively and safely due to COVID restrictions in the classroom or with virtual learning. These grants ranged in dollar amounts from $146 to $1,000.

“Something we have always known - but has been on much display this year especially - is how resilient and resourceful our local teachers are,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director, said. “We are honored to help them bring to life their creative ideas to engage and educate their students. Many thanks to our donors and sponsors through the years who make these grants possible.”

Attached to this press release is the full list of 2020-2021 TFAE Grant Award Recipients. Grant awards are made possible each year through donations made to TFAE’s endowment.

This school year’s grants are especially momentous as TFAE celebrates our 30th Anniversary serving the community. Since our inception, TFAE has awarded more than $1.3 million grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers. To read about the impact of TFAE in Terrebonne Parish for the last 30 years, please visit www.tfae.org/30-years

Hancock Whitney Supports Financial Literacy

Our Community Partner Hancock Whitney continues to support local education in our community.

Having to adjust their method of delivering financial literacy to schools due to the COVID-19, Hancock Whitney has created videos for adults and children to learn about finances, money, and more.
This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about the importance of being responsible with money! 
Follow along with Danielle in this tale of how Curious George learns to be responsible with his money!
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TFAE Founding Board Member Retires

A longtime supporter of TFAE, Mrs. Sharon Bergeron retired from our Board of Directors this week. Mrs. Sharon was a founding board member and has been involved with our organization for 30 years. She has been instrumental in our grants and early reading programs, fundraising events, and so much more.

Mrs. Sharon has served our community as a banker, philanthropist, and volunteer for decades. She is known for her generosity and kindness.
 
She will be missed dearly! We wish her well and thank her for all she has done for our community as she enjoys this next chapter.

Entergy Awards Grant for Imagination Library

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Entergy awarded TFAE a grant to support local children in the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

The $1,250 grant will be used to enroll 50 children in the program. Through the Imagination Library, children receive one free book every month delivered to their home. Read more or register a child here. 

Thank you, Entergy, for supporting TFAE and early reading!
 
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Technology Available for Dual Enrollment Students

In partnership with Chevron, technology is being made available to all dual enrolled students on a first come, first serve basis to use in the Fall 2020 semester.

Due to COVID, many dual enrollment college courses are being offered online. In an effort to assist those in need of laptops, TFAE and Chevron will make available approximately 30 laptops at each local high school for use.

These laptops were originally intended for the Satellite Dual Enrollment Program, where students can take college courses virtually from their high schools. FTCC will offer their course in the spring, which has freed up many of the devices for the fall.

Laptops can be "borrowed" with signed contract at no cost by contacting their high school's main office. 
Shell tfae

Shell Provides School Supply
Donation for Local Students

Shell Oil Company (Shell) provided more than 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to Terrebonne Parish students. Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) helped to facilitate the donation among all 26 local elementary and middle schools.

“It’s an honor to work with local and regional businesses such as Shell to provide resources to our local students,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director said. “We are grateful for Shell’s generosity and know these supplies will help students feel confident to succeed this school year.”

The backpacks include paper, folders, pencil holders, and other supplies appropriate for Kindergarteners through sixth graders. If in need of school supplies, parents can contact their child’s school main office.

“Shell is grateful for this opportunity to assist students and parents in Terrebonne to get the supplies that they need to have a safe and successful school year ahead” said Rick Tallant, Shell’s Vice President Gulf of Mexico. 

Bayou Community Foundation Awards Grant for Local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

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Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) was awarded an $8,500 grant from the Bayou Community Foundation (BCF) for the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

TFAE was one of 28 non-profit recipients who received a grant through BCF’s annual competitive grants program that awarded more than $207,000 to local non-profit organizations.

BCF’s grant to TFAE will be used to enroll 170 Terrebonne Parish Head Start students into the program, which mails registered children an age-appropriate book every month to their home until their fifth birthday. While free for local families to participate, the program costs TFAE approximately $80,000 a year to fund in Terrebonne Parish. The program is sustained through fundraisers, individual donations, grants, and our endowment. TFAE currently has approximately 3,300 children enrolled in the program.

“We are so grateful to the Bayou Community Foundation and their many donors for their continued support of education in our community,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director said.

TFAE Announces New Grant Opportunity
In Light of COVID-19 Challenges

New grant opportunity
Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) announces new grant offering to help local public school educators with traditional and virtual learning classroom needs in light of challenges and restrictions presented by pandemic.

“We recognize that this school year will look very different for our teachers and students,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director, said. “With these new guidelines and options for learning comes additional needs in a classroom – whether it’s a traditional classroom or a virtual one. We hope that by offering this special grant we can help in creating a positive experience in a challenging time.”

Brief synopsis of all TFAE Grants available for the 2020-2021 school year:

TFAE Covid-19 Challenges Grants:
Special grant offered for the 2020-2021 school year to assist teachers with resources needed to teach effectively (traditionally and/or virtually) while maintaining a safe environment. Allowable expenditures can include but are not limited to additional supplies, technology, student storage items, software, etc. Teachers can submit a grant application for up to $1000 in grant funding.

Innovative Ed-Venture Grants:
TFAE Innovative Ed-Venture Grants are designed to encourage teachers to incorporate innovative, educational, and developmental activities into their classroom curriculum to provide students with an exciting approach to the learning process. There is no limit to the amount a teacher can request for this grant.

New Teacher Grants:
The New Teacher Grant allows new educators to stock their classrooms with the supplies needed to be ready for students. Allowable expenditures include but are not limited to paper, pencils, storage containers, dry erase boards, calculators, etc. Teachers who meet the criteria can submit a grant application for up to $500.

Bayou Board of REALTORS® Journey to Careers Grants:
This grant is for teachers of business and career classes to utilize for the exploration of careers and to enhance the learning environment for students. Teachers who meet the criteria can submit a grant application for up to $400.

The deadline to apply for grants is August 31, 2020. All grant applications are submitted online at www.tfae.org/grant-information. TFAE Grants are open to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers. Detailed instructions and guidelines can also be found on this page. To learn see past TFAE Grants in action, visit www.tfae.org/grants-in-action.

Since its inception, TFAE has awarded more than $1.3 million dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers.

Girls Who Code Virtual Camp Teaches Local
Students STEM Skills and Life Lessons

Recently, 30 local girls participated in a virtual camp focused on computer coding and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as sisterhood, and how to be “brave not perfect.” The Girls Who Code Satellite Summer Session, which was sponsored by Chevron and hosted by Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE), offered hands-on STEM activities, interactive lessons, and online collaboration.

The girls learned the basics of computer programming and put their new skills to the test by coding their own characters and participating in numerous activities - including games, mad libs, and dance battles. Using Makey Makey kits, an electronic invention tool and toy, they also connected everyday objects to their computer. This allowed for them to learn about open and closed circuits, technology, and more.

“When campers pair their new coding skills with their Makey Makey kits, that’s where the magic really happens for them,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director said. “One camper used their resources and a toy car to power her computer, while another made a piano with bananas as keys. It’s a lot of fun for them to try different items to see what works and what doesn’t.”

In addition, the camp featured two speakers. Leah Brown of Chevron shared the specifics of her STEM career, while offering the girls advice on time management and staying focused on their goals. Alyssa Carson, NASA’s youngest astronaut in training, talked about what’s required to prepare for a career in space, as well as her plans to walk on Mars in the next 10 years.

“I was blessed to have a great mentor at an early age, who instilled in me a love for STEM learning,” said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “My hope is that these young girls completed the camp feeling inspired and were instilled with that same love of learning. I was grateful to have had the chance to speak with them about my experiences and encourage them to continue their STEM education.”

Girls Who Code is an international organization that offers opportunities for girls to learn about STEM through coding. The group also works to build confidence, a sense of sisterhood, and encourage bravery as girls explore typically male-dominated STEM career paths.  Girls Who Code was first introduced to Terrebonne Parish when TFAE and Chevron funded a grant to local teacher Melissa Williamson to start her own club. Since then, the program has grown regionally through other school-based clubs and the annual camp sponsored by Chevron. Melissa, along with four other TPSD teachers and counselors, served as camp facilitators. Due to COVID-19, this year’s camp connected the girls virtually.

“We are incredibly grateful to Chevron for their continued support of TFAE and local education,” Portier said. “While hosting the camp virtually presented challenges, these girls overcame every obstacle and worked very hard. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and hope they will use their experience to further explore their interest in STEM.”

Thanks to Chevron’s donation, the girls were each given STEM Activity kits with their Makey Makey kits, all the supplies needed, a science journal, a Hidden Figures novel, and lots of other fun items like a camp t-shirt, candy, popcorn, a binary bracelet making kit, and much more. Chromebooks were also provided for those who needed them to participate in the camp.

To view a digital showcase of the girls’ projects and to learn more about Girls Who Code, click here. 

TFAE Celebrates 30 Years of Impact in Community 

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Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence in Public Education (TFAE) is proud to celebrate 30 years of education and achievement in Terrebonne Parish. Since its inception, TFAE has funded more than $1.2 million dollars in grants to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers among other accomplishments.

TFAE’s mission is to establish a perpetual source of funding to provide additional resources to foster academic excellence in public education. Through the help of donors, local businesses, and community partnerships, TFAE continues that mission today through its established grant program and through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Through its grants program, TFAE has funded more than $1.2 million dollars in grants to local educators for classroom supplies, technology, and innovative projects. In the 2019-2020 school year alone, TFAE facilitated more than $120,000 in funding to directly benefit teachers and students. In 2012, TFAE brought the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Terrebonne Parish as an early childhood literacy program. Through this program, registered children receive an age-appropriate book every month until their fifth birthday at no cost to their families. Research has shown that early reading increases literacy skills, motor skills, and Kindergarten readiness. TFAE also recognizes local Distinguished Scholars and Inspirational Educators and in recent years created a Lending Library book exchange program and a Girls Who Code technology camp.

“We celebrate this milestone with the many individuals, businesses, and organizations who have partnered with TFAE and donated to benefit local education over the last 30 years,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director, said. “It is only with their support that together we have made an incredible impact on our community and will continue to do so for years to come.”

Portier notes that the organization’s efforts are matched by teachers and administrators who are making a difference in education every day.

“Our mission is to help foster academic excellence, but our local educators are the ones doing the hard work in creating safe and positive learning environments, connecting with children, and shaping our community’s future,” Katie said. “We are so proud to work alongside them to enhance education within our schools.”

TFAE will celebrate and take a look back at the last 30 years throughout the 2020-2021 school year culminating with a final celebration at their annual TFAE 5K Run for Excellence and Food Fest. You can follow along on their website at www.tfae.org/30-years and their Facebook page www.facebook.com/houmatfae.

Chevron Grant to Boost Hands-On STEM Learning

Thanks to a generous donation from Chevron, the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) has given $50,000 in grants to 11 Terrebonne Parish schools to implement hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs in their libraries and science labs.

“The Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence is excited for the teachers and students who will benefit from these grants,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director, said. “We are also grateful to have a community partner like Chevron who continues to invest in our local schools and provide meaningful STEM programs and opportunities.”

Each awarded elementary and middle school will receive $3,000 to implement a Makerspace Library. This is a shared area that provides students with tools and resources for hands-on intellectual learning such as 3D printers, arts and crafts supplies, STEM activities, and more. A Makerspace Library can also utilize textile items to enhance learning of literature. Additionally, two junior high and one high school will receive $8,500-$9,000 to upgrade their science lab equipment. Items such as digital scales, working sinks, chromebooks, digital microscopes, chemicals, probes, goggles, and much more will be purchased to increase the ability to safely conduct STEM experiments and projects.

“Hands-on opportunities make learning so much more fun and impactful for students,” said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “If you ask anyone working in STEM where their passion for the field began, you will likely hear stories of a special teacher or experience that sparked their interest early on. That’s why we’re committed to providing students and teachers with the tools they need to explore STEM and cultivate passions that will last a lifetime.”

The following schools will receive the $3,000 TFAE/Chevron Makerspace Library Grants:
  • Acadian Elementary 
  • Pointe Aux Chenes Elementary
  • Honduras Elementary
  • Coteau Bayou Blue Elementary
  • Village East Elementary
  • Broadmoor Elementary
  • Grand Caillou Middle
  • Caldwell Middle 

The following schools will receive the TFAE/Chevron Science Lab Grants:
  • Houma Junior High; $8,500
  • Evergreen Junior High; $8,500
  • H. L. Bourgeois High School; $9,000

To select the schools, TFAE first reached out to all Terrebonne Parish public schools regarding the grant opportunity to see who would be interested. All of those who responded were awarded the grant after submitting a short application and budget explaining how they would use the funds. Librarians and science teachers will utilize the funds over the summer to purchase their supplies and resources to implement them in the 2020-2021 school year.

To learn more about TFAE, visit www.tfae.org. For more information on Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit and their efforts to support the local community, click here

James Charles Named James J. Buquet, Jr. Award of Distinction Recipient

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Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) has named James Charles as the recipient of the 2020 James J. Buquet, Jr. Award of Distinction.

The award is given annually to a Terrebonne Parish public high school graduate recognized for vision and excellence in their chosen field or other areas of personal endeavor. This individual has provided service unselfishly to his or her community, state, nation or internationally.

Mr. Charles has dedicated his life to serving the students of Terrebonne Parish. He began his career as a math teacher at Southdown High School. He taught throughout the parish before becoming an elementary math curriculum specialist, an assistant principal, and coordinator of migrant education.  In 1988, he was named the first-ever principal of Ellender Memorial High School. Mr. Charles has also served as supervisor of secondary, adult, and vocational education, Assistant Superintendent, and Interim Superintendent.

An avid volunteer, Mr. Charles also created many enrichment programs for local underprivileged and at-risk youth. He is a 1960 graduate of Southdown High School and received his degree from Southern University. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Southern University in 2019.

The James J. Buquet, Jr. Award was established by TFAE in 2008 to honor Mr. Buquet’s commitment to public education.

Mr. Charles will be honored at the annual TFAE Celebrates Excellence event on March 26 along with the named TFAE Distinguished Scholars and Inspirational Educators.

TFAE 5K Run for Excellence Cancelled Due to COVID-19

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We have made the difficult decision to cancel what would be our 20th annual TFAE 5K Run For Excellence and Food Fest this year. We will be reaching out to our volunteers, sponsors, food partners, and race participants directly in the coming weeks. We are disappointed but feel it is the right call for all involved.

As TFAE’s only major fundraiser (and Main Street’s longest running event), we take great pride in bringing our community this wonderful event each year. However, we don’t do it alone. We rely on 300+ volunteers, 30+ local business sponsors, and 40+ local restaurants and non-profit organizations to donate their time and resources to help bring this event to life. In light of recent events, we felt it was best to take a pause to allow and encourage these folks to take care of themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Luckily, your past participation in our events, your donations to our endowment, and your continued partnerships and support allow us to still provide our grant program to local public school teachers, books to local children through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and more this year.

Now, it’s our turn to do our part in keeping our community safe, healthy, and thriving. Please continue to wash your hands, consider donating to a local non-profit organization, and remember to patron local businesses and restaurants. We can't wait to be back next year and throw one heck of a party!

Art Contest Celebrates Books

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Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) is hosting a Books & Banner Art Contest, where students are encouraged to use their creativity to reimagine their favorite book.

The contest is open to all children of Terrebonne Parish, ages 4-17 and/or grades Pre-K through 12. Students are asked to redesign the cover of their favorite childhood book. Winning artwork will be made into light post banners that will hang in historic downtown Houma during the summer. All entries will also be featured in an art exhibit at the Terrebonne Main Library.

A full list of guidelines and the registration form can be found at www.tfae.org/what-s-new. Deadline to turn in artwork is April 24.

See below for examples of past winners.

Download "TFAE Books & Banner Art Contest.pdf"

Examples of 2019 Banner Artwork

More Than 250,000 Books Funded in Terrebonne

An amazing 250,000 books and counting!

Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) has reached a new milestone. As of February 2020, TFAE has funded more than 250,000 books to Terrebonne Parish children through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Through this program, all registered children in Terrebonne Parish ages newborn to five years old receive one new, age-appropriate book every month delivered to their home at no cost to their family. Currently, more than 3,300 local children are enrolled in the program while another 6,096 children have already “graduated.”

As Funding Champion, TFAE funds the cost of these books so that families can enjoy them at no cost. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was first brought to Terrebonne Parish by TFAE in 2012. Since then, many local businesses, organizations, and individuals have donated and contributed to its success. With their help, TFAE has funded 251,535 books in our community.

“These books continue to have a tremendous impact on our community by increasing our children’s literacy skills, social skills, and comprehension,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director, said. “By putting books in the hands of our young readers, we can help prepare them for their next journey into school.”

The program was first launched in 1995 by Dolly Parton in Sevier County, Tennessee where she grew up. It became such a success that in 2000, a national replication effort was underway by The Dollywood Foundation. Under her program, one million books a month are now mailed to children in the United States, Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

To register a Terrebonne Parish child aged newborn to five in the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, visit www.tfae.org/imagination-library. If you’d like to support our local Imagination Library with a donation, please visit www.tfae.org or contact Katie Portier at katie@tfae.org or 985-868-5881.
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TFAE Distinguished Scholars and Inspirational Educators

TFAE proudly announces the 2019-2020 Distinguished Scholars and Inspirational Educators.

Two Distinguished Scholars are chosen from each high school along with one from Bayou Cane Adult Education Center.  These students have overcome obstacles in their lives to achieve great success in academics, curricula, and community.

These 11 scholars then chose their own Inspirational Educators, a teacher who has inspired and encouraged them, had an impact on them, and helped shaped them into the people they are today throughout their education.

Distinguished Scholars and Inspirational Educators will be honored at our annual TFAE Celebrates Excellence event in March.

Below are the 2019-2020 TFAE Distinguished Scholars and Inspirational Educators:

Bayou Cane Adult Education Center:
  • Distinguished Scholar Mark-Allen Racine and Inspirational Educator Clint Domangue (Fletcher Technical Community College)
     
Ellender Memorial High School
  • Distinguished Scholar Lane Crochet & Inspirational Educator Penny Louivere
  • Distinguished Scholar Tiffany Nunez & Inspirational Educator Kenya Fields

H. L. Bourgeois High School
  • Distinguished Scholar Ty Henry & Inspirational Educator Tony Bergeron
  • Distinguished Scholar Wilbert Collins & Inspirational Educator Eugenie Brown
     
Louis Miller Terrebonne Career & Technical High School
  • Distinguished Scholar Darion Sneeze & Inspirational Educator Lakeisha Navy (EMHS)
  • Distinguished Scholar Jameliah Anderson & Inspirational Rose Ursery (HLB)
     
South Terrebonne High School
  • Distinguished Scholar Aaliyah Wright & Inspirational Educator Chequita Martin
  • Distinguished Scholar Alexis Prosperie & Inspirational Educator Susan Adams
     
Terrebonne High School
  • Distinguished Scholar Hayden Rice & Inspirational Educator Melissa Williamson (HJH / HLB)
  • Distinguished Scholar Holland Methe & Inspirational Educator Leslie Bourdier

TFAE Seeks Nominations for Annual Award

The Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) is seeking nominations from the community of an individual who is recognized for vision and excellence in their chosen field or other areas of personal endeavors.

The James J. Buquet, Jr. Award of Distinction is presented to a Terrebonne Parish Public High School graduate that has provided service unselfishly to his or her community, state, nation, or internationally.

Click the word document to the left or the link below to access the  nomination form. A form can also be requested by emailing katie@tfae.org. Deadline to turn in nomination forms is February 14, 2020.

The James J. Buquet Jr. Award was established by TFAE in 2018 to honor Mr. Buquet’s commitment to public education. Since then, this award of distinction has been awarded to James J. Buquet, Jr. (posthumously), Mary Cosper LeBoeuf, Barry Melancon, Dr. Mary Eschete, Clifford Smith, The Honorable Stanwood Duval, Dr. Craig Walker, Bobby Boudreaux, Chuck Weaver, Sr., and Hunt Downer.
 

Download "James J. Buquet, Jr. Award of Distinction Nomination Form"

Purse Pop Up Shop: Great Deals For Great Cause

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TFAE will host its first ever Purse Pop Up Shop during Rudolph's Route on Thursday, December 12.

Rudolph's Route is a downtown holiday shopping experience that offers great deals, hor d'oeuvres, and door prizes to encourage people to shop local this holiday season.

In an effort to make room for next year's Purses & Promises fundraiser, we will be selling lots of gently used and new purses, handbags, and clutches in great condition. We're marking these purses as low as $10 for you to snag a great deal for Christmas.

All proceeds from our Pop Up Shop will benefit the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Terrebonne Parish, where all registered children receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday.

Join us for our Purse Pop Up Shop Thursday, December 12 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the Hancock Whitney Bank lobby (7910 Main Street in downtown Houma).

 

Event Raises Funds for Imagination Library

More than $12,500 was raised at TFAE's annual Purses & Promises event on November 1st. The event featured gently used and new designer purses, as well as jewelry, artwork, and more for sale, silent auction, and live auction.

Proceeds from the event will be used to enroll 500 local children in the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Through this literacy program, registered children receive one age-appropriate book every month until their fifth birthday at no cost to their families.

As the Funding Champion for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Terrebonne Parish, TFAE has funded more than 241,000 books  to date. To register a child in the program, click here. 

Many thanks to those who bought tickets, bid on purses, and volunteered at our event. Thank you also to our sponsors: Point of Vue Magazine, Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana, Courtyard Marriott, Hancock Whitney Bank, South Louisiana Bank, Terrebonne Ford, Regions Bank, Ground Pat'i, Synergy Bank, and Pedestal Bank.

Chevron Announces $51,000 Donation to TFAE
for Pilot Satellite Dual Enrollment Program

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By Casey Guidry, Houma Times

Chevron announced that they’ve donated $51,000 to Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) for the launch of a satellite dual enrollment program.

The program will allowed Terrebonne public school students to earn collegiate credit at the two colleges while still enrolled in high school — all at no cost to the student.

Currently, similar programs are offered, but they involve students traveling to Nicholls or Fletcher. Now, they’ll be able to enroll from their high school campus, thanks in part to the funding, which will assist in purchasing technology for the program.

Chevron made the donation based off a grant proposal from TFAE. The technology will include a large TV to be used as a screen projector, laptops for teacher/instructor at the high school to project the course and 30 Chromebooks for students to utilize.

This will be available at all four Terrebonne Parish public high schools. The program is set to become available in Spring 2020.

“I can’t say enough about Chevron’s investment in our local education, particularly in STEM programs and courses,” said Katie Portier, Executive Director of TFAE. “I believe this program will allow more students the opportunity to explore college courses and reap the benefits of hard work through dual enrollment. We are incredibly thankful to TPSD, Nicholls and Fletcher for their willingness to partner with us on this and offer an alternative style of learning to students.”

TFAE Awards Over $77,000 in Grants
to Local Public School Teachers

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By Drew Miller, The Houma Times

Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) has provided a total of $77,105.82 in grants to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers for the 2019-2020 school year.

Members of TFAE and the school board traveled from school to school today, delivering checks to surprised recipients.

The TFAE Innovative Ed-Venture Grant, which “encourages teachers to submit bold and innovative ideas and projects that would actively engage their students,” was awarded to 10 teachers. The grants ranged from $263 to $14,400.

The highest one — $14,400 —  was given to Terrebonne High School teacher Rayemona Boyd for a high-tech, fully functioning science lab for her students.

“I'm so excited. I think I've written two or three grants in the last 21 years — never really got funded. Maybe have gotten a few little things here and there, but this is by far and large the biggest donation,” she said.  “This equipment is so expensive that the school could not afford to purchase it. The district has shown interest, but again, it's a rather large amount. So, we would have had to do a lot of fundraising. TFAE has done that fundraising for us, and we are very appreciative.”

Other Innovative Ed-Venture Grants recipients include Broadmoor Elementary School teacher Allyson Fonseca, who is taking her fourth graders on a field trip to learn about westward expansion by taking a real train ride; Bayou Black Elementary School teacher Trisha Authement, who is creating a “makerspace” library that includes technology, coding tools and hands-on activities; and Houma Jr. High School (HJH) teacher Rae Bangs, who is using the funds to acquire technology and hands-on materials for her special needs class to learn about coding.

“I'm going to give them an opportunity to do problem solving on a different level, especially with coding,” Bangs said after she received the grant. “That's something that they've never done before.”

“[The grant] is going to let them explore the different things that are conductive to make the closed circuits. So, we'll give them experience that they’ve never had as well,” added HJH teacher Jennifer Hopkins, whose “Closing the Gap with Closed Circuits” project awarded her a $1,511.49 grant.

In addition to the Innovative Ed-Venture Grants, TFAE also handed out 77 New Teacher Grants. Teachers new to teaching — or new to a subject or school — each received the $500 grant. TFAE aims to ease the financial burden for these teachers by funding such classroom necessities as crayons, pencils, papers, storage and dry erase boards, among other items, through this grant.

TFAE also partnered with The Bayou Board of Realtors to provide three teachers with the Bayou Board of Realtors Journey to Careers Grants, which awards funds to teachers of a business or career class.

Since 2012, the local non-profit TFAE has awarded over $1 million grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers. TFAE’s grants are funded through donations made to the organization’s endowment as well as direct donations to the grant program.

“The teachers of our parish are so dedicated to their students. It is incredibly inspiring to see firsthand,” TFAE Executive Director Katie Portier said. “They deserve all the support they can get. Thanks to our many donors and sponsors, TFAE is proud to be able to offer grants to help teachers and students achieve academic excellence.”

Career and Business Classes Get Support
From Bayou Board of REALTORS

Local high school teachers were awarded the Bayou Board of REALTORS Journey to Career Grants, administered by Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE).

The purpose of these grants are to enhance the learning experience of students in career and business-related classes. The Bayou Board of REALTORS has graciously sponsored these grants for the last two years.

The 2019-2020 Bayou Board of REALTORS Journey to Careers Grant Recipients are:
  • Laure LeCompte of H. L. Bourgeois High School for her Occupational Safety and Health Administration classes.
  • Meka Johnson and Tammy Arceneaux of Louis Miller Terrebonne Career and Technical School for their Cosmetology Career/Esthetics classes.
  • Michelle Lapeyrouse of South Terrebonne High School for her Business Computer Applications classes.
The teachers will use the funds to enhance their classroom that teaches public school students in Terrebonne Parish industry skills, business lessons, and much more.

Many thanks to the Bayou Board of REALTORS for their continued support of local education and our future business leaders.

Additional grant recipients for this school year will be announced soon. Since 2002, TFAE has awarded more than $1 million grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers.

Click the thumbnails below for full photos.

Local Elementary Schools Receive $20,000 Grant

Capital one bank 2019
By Drew Miller, The Houma Times

Capital One Bank recently donated $20,000 to two local schools, Montegut Elementary and Bayou Black Elementary, to update their technology.

The grant, secured by Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE), will be used to purchase new Active Panels — also known as Smart Boards — for said schools.

“The more a teacher can truly engage a student, the more that student will learn,” TFAE Executive Director Katie Portier said. “These Active Panels will be used to incorporate new and exciting ways to engage and excite students. We are excited to work with Capital One Bank and Terrebonne Parish School District to supply local teachers and students with this much needed technology in their classrooms.”

The amount donated can purchase nearly six Active Panels. The Terrebonne Parish School District (TPSD) is funding the remaining $7,373, however, so each school can receive four new panels, bringing the total to eight.

“It's a very powerful tool for instructing children,” TPSD Superintendent Philip Martin said. “It allows for so much creativity and the possibility of addressing kids at different levels, which is really difficult to do many times for a teacher. This really enhances that.”

Teachers can use these tools for any subject, Portier explained. She also acknowledged the teachers’ creativity in how they use the panels, as they incorporate them into virtually any lesson plan to increase student engagement.
The check presentation was held on Wednesday afternoon at the TPSD Administration Building, 201 Stadium Drive in Houma, during the TPSD monthly principals’ meeting.

The grant is part of Capital One’s Future Edge initiative — which “provides community grants and associate volunteerism to help more Americans succeed in the digital economy,” reads a press release by TFAE.

"As part of Future Edge, Capital One is pleased to donate technology assets that will be used by students here in Terrebonne Parish," Capital One Bank's Tri-Parish Market President Robbie Naquin said. "We're proud to play a role in helping local teachers improve the classroom experience and introduce young students to technology.”

Since 2012, the local non-profit TFAE has awarded over $1 million grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers.
“TFAE has been a partner of the school system for a long, long time. We’re really very fortunate to have such an effective organization focused on our schools. This is one example of many things they've done,” Martin said. “We appreciate everything TFAE does for our school system, for our kids.”

Article via The Houma Times.

Houma Oilman's Continues Support

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Many thanks to the Houma Oilman's Fishing Invitational for their continued support of local non-profits in our community.

HOFI donated $5,000 to TFAE after this year's popular rodeo. TFAE will use this donation to help fund our local children's literacy program called the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

We are so thankful to all those who attended the rodeo and made it a success, as well as HOFI's Board of Directors for their continued support of TFAE.

Since 2006, HOFI has donated more than $70,000 to TFAE's Academic Excellence Fund, where their investment will continue to support our local community for generations to come.   

Oaklawn Middle Awarded 5K Volunteer Award

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Oaklawn Middle School received a $300 donation from Shell Pipeline Company for their volunteer participation in the TFAE 5K Run for Excellence and Food Fest, TFAE's main fundraiser to support local education.

The award is given to the school with the highest percentage of volunteers.

We are so thankful to ALL our volunteers who help make our 5K a success, as well as Shell for continuing to support our local schools.

Pictured: Brooke Marcel, 5K Volunteer Coord.; Shelley Piehet, Shell; Lana Dancer, Oaklawn Volunteer Team Captain; Torrey Carter, Oaklawn Principal; Katie Portier, TFAE.

Do You Have A Purse To Donate?

Donations
TFAE is seeking donations of gently used trendy or designer purses for our upcoming fundraiser Purses & Promises: A Girls' Night Out for Children's Literacy.

The event will take place Friday, November 1st at the Courtyard Marriott (142 Library Drive in Houma). Guests can shop gently used and new designer purses, as well as local art, accessories, gift baskets, and more. Proceeds help fund the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Terrebonne Parish.

Please contact Katie Portier with any donations at katie@tfae.org or 985-868-5881. We are happy to pick up your donation.

Teacher Association Sponsors Grant

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The Terrebonne Association of Educators will sponsor a TFAE New Teacher Grant in the upcoming school year.

Grant winners can purchase up to $500 worth of supplies for their classrooms, including pencils, crayons, white boards, storage, and nearly anything that can help get their classrooms ready for their students.

"As educators, the members of TAE know how challenging it can be to get a new classroom up and running from scratch," Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director, said. "We are so grateful that their organization chose to 'pay it forward' to a new teacher. It will go a long way in making a new teacher feel confident for their school year and career."

New Teacher Grants are open to teachers new to TPSD, new to a grade, new to a subject, or new to a school within the last 3 years. Deadline to apply for TFAE grants is August 31, 2019. Click here for more information on TFAE grants and to apply.
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Bayou Community Foundation Supports the Imagination Library

The Bayou Community Foundation (BCF) awarded TFAE a $7,500 grant to enroll local public classrooms in the Imagination Library.

Combined with a previous grant from BCF, this grant will allow all Terrebonne Parish Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten public school classrooms to be enrolled in the Imagination Library and enjoy books for years to come.

Through the program, the classrooms will receive a new book each month for the next five years, which will help to encourage reading, comprehension, and social skills. It will also help to build the classroom's library and give an easier access to books.

The Imagination Library is also available to Terrebonne Parish children ages 0-5. The books are delivered directly to your home at no cost to your family. To sign up a child, please click here. 

TFAE thanks the BCF - its staff, board of directors, and donors - for their continued support of education in our community! For a full list of grants awarded, click here. 
Coming soon

Visit a Lending Library,
Enter To Win!

Snap a photo with any of our Lending Libraries and share with us July 10-24 and you'll be entered to win great prizes, including $100 gift cards, book series, and much more.

Be sure to "like" Terrebonne Lending Libraries on Facebook to see prize announcements and all the details.

Lending Libraries are meant to inspire reading for all ages in our community. With 16 locations in Terrebonne, there is likely one near you!
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Chevron, Saints Donate $15,000 for STEM Project

The New Orleans Saints were on hand at our Girls Who Code Summer Session  Showcase to present a $15,000 donation to TFAE on behalf of the Saints organization and Chevron.

The funds will be used for a local project focused in science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM) in the upcoming school year.

Click here to see more photos of the check presentation from the New Orleans Saints.
 
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TFAE, Chevron Partner Together To Teach Technological Skills To Girls

By: Colin Camp via The Houma Times

The Bayou Region has 25 new computer coders marking the end of a week-long immersion camp focused on empowering women with intense technology interests.

Last week the Terrebonne Foundation of Academic Excellence (TFAE) partnered with Chevron to host, “Girls Who Code,” a non-profit program which seeks to empower women interested in Science Technology Engineering and Math fields. On Friday, June 15, the camp held its last day where the participants, all between grades 5-9 showed off their projects to the public and awards were given.

“We’re so used to high-tech things, but they coded every second of it,” said Katie Portier, Executive Director of TFAE. “Starting from a blank screen - they did it all.”

Coding, in this instance, refers to computer programing. This entails learning computer language, as well as writing and understanding algorithms among other skills.

The genesis of the camp began after Melissa Williamson, a teacher at Houma Jr High, held a “Girls Who Code” club during the school year. Williamson worked for 13 years as an engineer - becoming a school teacher after raising two boys. TFAE then wrote a grant to Chevron asking them to help with the program.

Williamson expressed an opinion that the greatest hurdle for women in the STEM field is their tendency to perfectionism. Instead of pursuing a field which a young woman wasn’t good at, said Williamson, often she would shift to a field she had natural talent in. Then Williamson related this to the first day of camp where some of the girls were afraid they’d break the computers if they coded it wrong.

“It’s just in their head,” said Williamson. “It doesn’t have to be perfect in order for you to present it and put yourself out there.”

To counter this, the theme of the camp was, “Brave not Perfect,” and the camp was geared towards much more than just coding. The girls were formed into 5 groups of 5 where they created projects and developed teamwork skills. Armed with Chrome Books, Makey-Makeys, Play-doh, and whatever other resources they could scavenge, the teams created numerous projects and this was their chance to put them on display.

These projects included: a life-sized Operation game, a large working piano, cartoons which would respond in text to the audience, others which would hold dance offs, and working video games which functioned from inputs received from a controller made of play-doh.

The sourcing of materials and construction of the projects was done entirely by the team as well as the coding, which was written on a program called “Scratch.”

Created by Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is a free online tool which simplifies the process of coding, allowing people to make and share their creations. The program can be found here: “scratch.mit.edu”

One presentation written with Scratch showcased a cartoon dog in an astronaut helmet with a jar of jam. The space faring pup would ask the audience questions and use the answers to tell a story.

Lily Naquin, a 10-year-old, explained the coding process with complete understanding using programing jargon:
“I figured out that I needed to go to variables and get ‘set emotion to 0,’ ‘set aim to 0,’...” said Naquin. “To reset it, all you need to do is click the jar of jam. And I thought it was kind of cute because the dog has jam.”

“This project was a lot of fun for me, and I loved it,” she said.

After the demonstration a “Brave Not Perfect Award” was presented to De’aija Charles for both how she excelled and how she assisted others during the camp. She was presented a laptop by Chevron and took photos with her father Deon Charles who beamed with pride.

“It was fun. It was kind of complicated at first but I didn’t want help, I wanted to learn it on my own,” said De’aija Charles. Which she did, and then spread that knowledge to others.

The Bayou community rallied behind the camp and Portier said the support made the camp a success. Companies such as Chick-Fil-A, Danos, T Baker Smith, Fig Cafe, and David Ohlmeyer of Allstate donated meals. Root 2 Rise taught yoga lessons during a break. Fletcher Community College donated space for the camp, and the Terrebonne Parish School District provided transportation, picking the kids up from their houses and bringing them to the camp.

And of course Chevron, who funded the entire camp at $26,450, which without, said Portier, the camp could not have happened.

“The fact that these girls could come here for free - a lot of these girls would not have that opportunity anywhere else - ever,” said Portier.

With the camp coming to an end and witnessing the growth in the girls from where they began, Williamson said, this could not just be a one-time event. She said she wished there were a way to track the girls’ progress to have evidence of its success.

In response for a possibility of helping next year, Leah Brown, the Public Affairs Manager of Chevron, said Chevron would love to fund the camp next year.

“For us it’s about trying to grow the next generation of young innovators,” Brown said. “Looking at these young ladies and really feeling like they are going to solve problems that I don’t even know exist yet.”

Finally Brown was asked if Chevron was eyeing any future employees at the event, she responded with a nod, “You know, there might be a couple of good petroleum engineers and geologists in this group.” •