Raintree staffer receives national recognition
The St. Mary Parish School Board adopted a new calendar for 2026-27 at its slightly irregular regular meeting Thursday, and took time to praise staff members who have achieved local and even national honors.
The meeting at the Central Office Complex in Centerville was moved up a week from the usual second-Thursday date to make way for Mardi Gras.
The celebrating didn’t have to wait for the parades.
The board recognized Raintree Elementary head custodian Donella Wagner, who made it all the way to the top of the U.S. Department of Education’s Recognizing Inspiring School Employees program.
Wagner, a 27-year School Board employee, was the only award-winner selected from among 36 nominees from 20 states. Her honors included a breakfast invitation from U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
At Thursday’s meeting, Human Resources Director Kristi Estay praised Wagner for volunteering for bus duty and maintaining the school’s uniform closet, where kids in need can find school clothes.
Outside the school system, Wagner makes regular visits to nursing home residents.
And, Estay said, Wagner makes sure every student starts the day with a smile.
Wagner is an example of “inspiring excellence, kindness and positive culture,” Estay said.
Also Thursday, the board paid tribute to Patterson Junior High’s Lauren Rentrop, the district’s Principal of the Year.
Estay noted that when Rentrop became principal, Patterson Junior High was in UIR status, a state designation signifying “urgent intervention required” either for academic or disciplinary performance.
“Instead of viewing this as an obstacle,” Estay said, “she saw this as an opportunity to rebuild and move Patterson Junior High forward.”
In December 2022, in the wake of the scheduling turmoil created by COVID, Rentrop led PJHS to selection by the state Department of Education as one of 41 schools deserving praise for growth in math and English scores after the pandemic.
Rentrop has a talent for creating a positive culture, Estay said, as well as for connecting with students and staff members.
Also Thursday:
—The board adopted next year’s school calendar.
Classes begin Aug. 7 and, for most students, will last until May 21, 2027. School for seniors will end May 7, followed by graduations May 13-14.
Among the major breaks: fall break, Oct. 12-13; Thanksgiving, Nov. 23-27; Christmas, Dec. 21-Jan. 1; Mardi Gras, Feb. 8-12; and Easter, March 26-April 2.
You can find the calendar on the public school website, https://tinyurl.com/bdf2b423.
—The board honored its Students of the Month: B.E. Boudreaux eighth-grader Malerie Myers, Berwick High senior Jude Tarver and Raintree fifth-grader Aubrey Notto.
—The Employees of the Month: B.E. Boudreaux teacher Stephen Schmidt, Berwick High teacher Brooke Scott and Raintree teacher Renata Colar.