Over a period of 10 weeks, girls in the 3rd through 5th grade participated in an after-school program designed to allow every girl to recognize her inner strength. The Girls on the Run curriculum inspired girls to define their lives on their own terms. Throughout the season, the girls made new friends, built their confidence and celebrated all that makes them unique.

The Girls on the Run lessons encouraged positive emotional, social, mental and physical development.  They also developed important strategies and skills to help them navigate life experiences. They learned about the importance of team work and healthy relationships, and explored how they can positively connect with and shape the world.

At the end of the program, the girls participated in a Girls on the Run 5k event.  This celebratory, non-competitive event is the culminating experience of the curriculum.  Completing the 5k gives the girls a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.  Crossing the finish line is a defining moment when the girls realize that even the seemingly impossible IS possible.

Thank you to all the participants for your hard work! A special thank you also goes out to Coach Mercil, Coach Finke, and Coach Zaloudek!

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.
                                                                                                 ~Charles R. Swindoll

Performance groups traveled to Southdowns Elementary to perform for their students. They sang, danced, played instrumented, and put on a terrific Christmas show for the boys and girls. Enjoy! 

The Young Actors Program of Theatre Baton Rouge is holding auditions for their spring production of The Boyfriend.  This production is designed for student performers in a 10 week workshop/rehearsal setting to teach, create, and nurture their artistic development.  Children ages 7-18 may audition on Saturday, January 10th by appointment only, and call backs will be on Sunday, January 11th.  See the audition flyer below for more information or visit the theatre's website, www.theatrebr.org

Students in Ms. Loyd's class had a ton of fun learning about various cultures; including, how they celebrate Christmas in Mexico.  They learned about one of the most famous games played at Posada parties, piñata. Students created a papier-mâché piñata and filled it with sweet treats. During their Christmas party, students took turns hitting the piñata with a stick until it split open and the sweets poured out. The children rushed to pick up as many sweets as they could! 

Students in Ms. Harris' second grade class have been working on writing Christmas stories and their Christmas Wish. As we approach the Christmas Holiday, we all wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

BRCVPA's annual 4th and 5th grade Spelling Bee was held on Wednesday, December 16th.  Two finalists from each 4th and 5th grade class participated  in the school bee for a chance to compete in the 2016 Regional Spelling Bee, which will be held at Southeastern Louisiana University in March.  Congratulations to our winner, Roya K, 5th grade.  We know she will represent our school well!

Thanks to the generous donations of many BRCVPA families, we have collected approximately 800 pairs of socks for the homeless! Thank you to the Girls on the Run Club for organizing this! In celebration, we are allowing ALL students to wear free holiday dress tomorrow, December 18th. We look forward to seeing you all in your merriest outfits!

Thanks to the generous donations of BRCVPA families, the faculty and staff breakfast tomorrow morning has been fully funded. We are so grateful for the overwhelming support. You guys are amazing!!

Enjoy these videos of our Talented Music students performing at the Capitol Park Museum. They did such an outstanding job, and we are so proud of them!

We are about halfway to having all faculty and staff sponsored for the Teacher Breakfast this Friday morning. Thanks to your generosity, we have 29 sponsorships! We need 24 more to be completely funded. If you would like to donate, please send cash or check to the office in a sealed envelope marked with Mrs. Hebert's name. (The breakfast is $7 per person).

Thank you to all who have donated so far. We appreciate you, and all the parents who make BRCVPA great!

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are early release days.  Students dismiss at 1:25.  There will be no afternoon extended day services on Friday, December 18th.  All students must be picked up in carpool or ride the bus on that day.  If your child is normally extended day, please let their classroom teacher know how they will be getting home on Friday.

Monday- 1st grade Mini Production at 12:10
                 PTO Meeting at 6:00 in the auditorium

Tuesday- Kindergarten and 5th grade field trip to see "The Nutcracker". Buses leave school at 8:45 and return by 11:30
                 
Wednesday- 4th and 5th grade Spelling B at 10:55
                         Talented Art Winter Show from 6:00-8:00 at the Arts Council Fire House

Thursday- Band and Orchestra Concert at 9:30

Friday- PBIS Reward- Movie and Hot Chocolate at 9:00
              Southside Gardens Field Trip (Mrs. Leblanc's Class) bus leaves at 10:00 and will return around 11:30


​Extended Day Clubs (Week of December 18th)

JJG- will meet on Monday ONLY.  This is a 'giggle" day and students may miss without penalty.  

Ceramics- will NOT meet on Tuesday

Science Stars- will NOT meet on Tuesday

Wow!! My grandparents and I went to the Bayou Classic Football Game between Southern University and Grambling State University in New Orleans. We stayed in a really nice hotel.

When we went to the Superdome for the game, we saw Governor-elect,  John Bel Edwards, and his wife, Mrs. Donna Hutto Edwards. Governor-elect Edwards asked me what school I attend and when I told him BRCVPA, he was very impressed!!! I asked if I could take a picture with him and he said "yes, of course".

 My grandmother said I could be governor one day. I think I would like that, although I know it takes a lot of work.

Thank you Governor and Mrs. Edwards!!!

~Sami