JSM’s Fontenot named Louisiana Principal of Year

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Lifestyles Editor

After a long and meticulous process, James Stephens Montessori Principal Cheri Fontenot was named Louisiana Elementary Principal of the Year at a banquet held in Baton Rouge on Saturday, July 11.
Fontenot was extremely grateful and humble upon receiving the honor proclaiming, “This honor is not about me. It was a real team effort from teachers, students, their parents and the staff who all did a lot of hard work to make this school year a successful one.” She added, “It is an honor to know that through this recognition by the State Department of Education, a light has been shone on our district and others will know about the good things going on in Evangeline Parish.” 
The process began by Fontenot having to provide evidence of growth and moving forward while motivating students. She also had to submit writings on various topics relating to everyday school life. She received a surprise visit from state personnel on the Friday before Easter break, and they visited almost every classroom to view daily activities and interview teachers and students. 
Following the surprise visit, the field of nominees was narrowed down to the finalists, who each participated in a 45-minute panel interview in front of 12 individuals. The next step was the top three nominees who were honored and recognized during a banquet in Baton Rouge on Saturday, July 11. It was there that Fontenot, along with the other winners were honored for their dedication to their profession and hard work. Fontenot praised her fellow nominees, saying, “This was a tremendous group of people and after observing the quality of their work, I thought that everyone deserved the honor.”
Fontenot noted that the district, regardless of any future changes, has made and will continue to make great strides in educating the youth of the parish. Students at JSM receive a solid foundation with a wonderful support team of teachers, paraprofessionals, and the parents who have faith in the team of people who are working each day to provide a rigorous education for their children. She says, “Students here receive a great foundation to become readers, thinkers, and problem solvers as they move up to high school and make choices about their futures.”
One way Fontenot keeps the students and staff motivated is by the use of a data wall in the classrooms, teacher’s meeting room, and lunchroom. Students and teachers have a visual representation of where they stand in relation to where they need to be. Students are able to track their growth. Having a visual reminder is a powerful motivator for students to commit to doing the hard work necessary to reach the benchmark goal. Students in need of extra help are given one on one conversations with Fontenot and the teacher. Parents are kept informed of how their children are progressing and included in conversations about intervention plans. All of the milestones, no matter how small, are always celebrated to help keep the student motivated for success and keep up their self esteem.
Fontenot stated that as principal, she has formed a professional bond with the principals from the other schools in the district and that they support each other and call on each other or Hamlin for advice on situations that may arise. She said all of the schools are united in the district and are working toward the same goals of growing and preparing students for the future. She is grateful for the trust she and the other principals receive from Hamlin and the school board to do their jobs and find what works best at their individual schools while working under the standard guidelines.
Superintendent Toni Hamlin congratulated Fontenot on her honor by proclaiming, “Of course it goes without saying we are very proud. It was four years ago that I approached Ms. Cheri concerning the principalship of JSM. I recognized qualities in her that are crucial to moving a school forward: commitment to all students; curriculum knowledge; leadership and communication skills; and a strong work ethic. Over the last four years, JSM has continued to excel in its academic progress and is ranked as an ‘A’ school by the Louisiana Department of Education. We are so proud of her accomplishments and those of her dedicated staff.” She added, “A wonderful principal is one who has enthusiasm, knowledge, is a life-long learner, embraces change, relates to the needs of the students and their parents and continuously motivates the staff and students to grow.”