Jackson Parish Schools is using its Remagine grant to implement a wraparound model at Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School (JHES). The model will enable the school to adopt a “whole student” approach, connecting JHES students and families with critical resources that address their social,
emotional, physical, and academic needs. Jackson Parish’s Reimagine Action will help mitigate the adverse impacts of poverty and food insecurity on some of its most vulnerable students’ health and academic achievement.
Ultimately, Jackson Parish views its Reimagine Action as a critical strategy for forging stable relationships with JHES students and families. By providing access to essential resources and
support, Jackson Parish’s Action will provide its students with a healthier, more supportive, safe, and rigorous academic experience.
Why it Matters:
Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School has been designated as CIR by the Louisiana Department of Education for the past three years. The school’s performance data indicate perennial challenges with student academic achievement, attendance, teacher retention, and family engagement.
Jackson Parish’s Reimagine Action embodies a whole-child, needs-driven approach to minimize the impact of adverse childhood experiences on student well-being and achievement. This action will incorporate new and redesigned existing partnerships to create a more robust response to the child and community.
If successful, Jackson Parish will exemplify how intentionally addressing adverse childhood experiences can ensure a strong start and improve life outcomes for vulnerable students. Additionally, our Action will illustrate that shared responsibility and community investments are critical factors in increasing student attendance and fostering higher individual achievement and overall school performance.
Key Innovations:
A Wrap Around “quarterback” staff member will join the JHE staff. The “quarterback” will be a school-based health professional tasked with coordinating administrative and health teams to provide students and families with personalized, timely support and service.
Jackson Parish will develop partnerships with One Telemed and Dental Smiles that grant JHES students and families access to school-based mental, physical, and dental wellness providers and aim to address systemic barriers to attendance and student achievement. Jackson Parish also intends to offer a clothing closet and food pantry in partnership with Lexi and Tucker’s clothing
closet and the Hodge Strong Foundation.
Jackson Parish has adopted a restorative, tiered approach to truancy designed to combat chronic
absenteeism by providing students and their families with critical resources and support. Ultimately, this approach will reduce punitive interactions with students, empowering them to attend school consistently and fulfill their potential.
What People Are Saying:
“Wraparound is a whole child approach to ensure all students can reach their full potential, regardless of their race, economic status, mental health, exceptionality, or the language they speak at home.” – Danielle Copeland, Jackson Parish School District
“The wraparound program services are vital to the success of our students and community. Our school system, families, and community institutions have an opportunity to build an incredible
partnership that serves as a force for good for all Jackson Parish students. By centering the focus on the good that we can accomplish together, students are more likely to attend and be engaged at school, and families are more invested in their student’s education. All of this contributes to more positive academic, socialemotional, and life outcomes for students.”
Tristen Bergholtz, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary Wrap-Around Counselor
“The services provided under our new wraparound model will ensure that the needs of all students are being met, including their mental health needs and physical health needs.”
Dr. Robin Potts, Jackson Parish School District Human Resources Director
J-HES seeking PTO members
Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School (JHES) held its first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting on September 15, 2022. The parents,school administrators, and teachers discussed the importance of building a strong PTO, ways to recruit other parents to join, and future events that could be supported by the PTO. J-HES is actively seeking additional PTO members. To become a member, please contact the school office at 318-259-4489 or Lisa Hicks (Lisa.Hicks@JPSBschools.us). The PTO is planning events for the year such as the Fall Fest and Teacher Appreciation Week. Any parental support and involvement is always appreciated.