New school year, fresh start

Combre-Fondel Elementary Principal Mark Steward gives students the red carpet treatment Tuesday as he welcomes them back on their first day of the new school year.

<div class="Content"><p class="indent">Tamaya Stevens said her son, Quinton, was “ready” for his first day of kindergarten at Fairview Elementary School on Tuesday.

<p class="indent">“Time flew by,” she said. “I can’t believe it. I mean, he’s more excited than I am!”

<p class="indent">Fairview Principal Lori Bertrand greeted families with warmth as students said their good-byes, finalized registration details and got directions to their new classrooms.

<p class="indent">Students cheered and high-fived as they learned of their new teachers and greeted their classmates. After reading his teacher’s name, one student said, “Oh, she’s so nice!”

<p class="indent">The first day at Combre-Fondel Elementary School included a red carpet entrance and a backdrop for students to take photos.

<p class="indent">“We wanted the kids and families to know that we’re glad they picked Combre-Fondel,” said Principal Mark Steward.

<p class="indent">Steward said he wants parents and community members to become more “connected” to what’s going on at the school.

<p class="indent">Students at Lake Charles College Prep approached the morning with ease and confidence as they greeted their peers and teachers. Co-Principal Marve Servier said the staff felt the excitement in the room as the “scholars” were welcomed.

<p class="indent">Akasha Coleman, a freshman, said she was excited about returning to her math classes.

<p class="indent">“It’s easy for me, and I just enjoy it,” she said.

<p class="indent">Senior Emile Price said he is eager to learn more about how to be successful in college, but he also hopes to be prepared by great teachers.

<p class="indent">“I liked all of my teachers last year, and I’m hoping it’ll be the same again this year,” he said.

</div>

SportsPlus

Local News

Vidrine elected to serve as Oakdale’s next mayor

Local News

Trump wins North Carolina while votes are still being counted in other key states

Local News

Voters statewide approve constitutional amendment

Local News

Judge Davis elected newest member of Court of Appeal

Local News

Jeff Davis elects two new mayors, re-elects police chief

Local News

Cameron voters approve four bond issues

Local News

Early election takeaways: Next president will lead fractured nation

Local News

Speaker Johnson re-elected to a fifth term in the House

Local News

Trump, Harris win reliable states while voters await battleground results

Business

Westlake Chemical plant fined $825,000

Local News

Rafael strengthens to Category 1 hurricane as it barrels toward Cuba

Local News

AP race call: Trump wins Texas

Local News

AP race call: Trump wins Louisiana

Crime

11/5: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Tropical Storm Rafael expected to become a hurricane — possibly overnight

Local News

‘Cream of the crop’ responds to call for state’s largest marching festival

Local News

PHOTO GALLERY: State Marching Championship

Local News

Trump, Harris cede stage to voters who’ll also decide control of House and Senate

Business

City of Lake Charles issues #ShopLocalLC Challenge for holidays

Business

Jeff Davis Police Jury supports plans for solar manufacturing facility

Local News

America decides: Election Day is here

McNeese Sports

Cowboys drop opener to Jackrabbits

Local News

Sulphur water quality conversations to be held this week

Crime

11/4: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list