Beau Chene High School

Beau Chêne High School is a public secondary school located in southeastern St. Landry Parish between the communities of Grand Coteau and Arnaudville in the state of Louisiana, United States. The school was founded in 1991 when Sunset, Leonville, and Arnaudville High Schools were consolidated to form one centralized high school. The school serves the communities of Arnaudville, Cankton, Grand Coteau, Leonville, and Sunset. It is located at 7076 Highway 93, Arnaudville, Louisiana. Beau Chene High School has been cited for demonstrating inclusion among all their students.[2]

Beau Chêne High School
Location
7076 Highway 93
Arnaudville, LA 70512-6020

United States
Coordinates30.40336°N 92.00135°W / 30.40336; -92.00135
Information
TypeComprehensive public high school
Established1991 (1991)
School districtSt. Landry Parish School Board
SuperintendentPatrick D. Jenkins
PrincipalTiffany Etienne
Grades9–12
Enrollment845[1]
Campus typeRural
Color(s)    Navy Blue, Burnt Orange, and Gray
MascotGator
Websitebeauchenehigh.slp.k12.la.us

Beau Chêne is accredited by the State of Louisiana's Department of Education.[1]

History
Beau Chene High School, Arnaudville, Louisiana

Beau Chêne High School is the result of consolidating the public schools in St. Landry Parish. Consolidation in St. Landry Parish began as a result of a federal lawsuit filed in 1965. The lawsuit is entitled Monteilh, et al. v. St. Landry Parish School Board, et al., No. Civ. 10912, (W.D. La. March 9, 1965). The plaintiffs in Monteilh, et al. v. St. Landry Parish School Board, et al., alleged that on or about September 7, 1964, their application for admission to Palmetto High School, Palmetto, Louisiana, were denied because of their race.[3] Monteilh, et al. v. St. Landry Parish School Board, et al. lasted fifty-one years. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty dismissed the fifty-one year old case on August 30, 2016.[4][5] The previous federal judge assigned Monteilh, U.S. District Judge Tucker L. Melancon, in Graham v. Evangeline Parish School Board, was cautioned in an unpublished opinion by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit "to limit itself to traditional judicial decision making rather than school administration, and to refrain from day-to-day management of its decrees." The court also expressed their concern in regard to Judge Melancon being personally involved in the case and wrote his actions were more administrative than judicial. The court wrote one could perceive from the record that Judge Melancon had taken over the independent decision making of the school board. The court was unable to rule on the Graham appeal since the appeal was not a final decision from the district court. Thus, they lacked appellate jurisdiction. Graham v. Evangeline Parish School Board, Case No. 04-30356, pp. 12–14 (5th Cir. May 17, 2005).

In 1986, the St. Landry Parish School Board approved a plan to build three new high schools as part of a plan to consolidate all the high schools in St. Landry Parish.[6] A group of citizens returned to federal court and filed briefs in Monteilh, et al. v. St. Landry Parish School Board, et al., opposing the school board plan to consolidate and build three new schools.[7] The case was appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In their briefs, Monteilh alleged the new high schools the school board planned to build would have created a quasi-racially segregated school system. Monteilh requested school construction be enjoined pending preparation of a new consolidation plan. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled the St. Landry Parish School Board met their constitutional obligations in designing its own plan and the court denied Monteilh's request.[8]

Beau Chêne High School was conceived in the early-1980s when the St. Landry Parish School Board began consolidating the parish's small rural high schools to form three large centrally-located high schools. The plan was later approved and implemented, forcing Arnaudville High School, Leonville High School, and Sunset High School to close and merge with each other.[9][10] In 1989, construction on Beau Chêne began on property in the unincorporated community of Prairie Basse. At the front of the property were—and still are—several large oak trees which inspired the name "Beau Chêne." The name of the school was originally Southeastern High School, keeping with the geographical naming style the St. Landry Parish School Board used to name the other two consolidated high schools (Northwest High School and North Central High School).[11] Someone (reportedly Lanny Moreau, former St. Landry Parish Superintendent, who at the time was Arnaudville High School's principal) suggested that the school be named "Beau Chêne," which is French for "beautiful oak." The St. Landry Parish School Board approved naming the school Beau Chene High School as the name for the Southeast Consolidated High School on Thursday, May 17, 1990.[11] Classes commenced at Beau Chêne on August 19, 1991. The official dedication of Beau Chene High School was on Friday, September 6, 1991.[12]

Academics

Beau Chêne High School offers a wide variety of courses for its students. In keeping with its missions to "provide the individual with rich and varied experiences appropriate to meet his present and future needs" and to "develop in the student an appreciation of literature, art, music and the beauty of nature," Beau Chêne offers classes in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, Spanish language arts, French language arts, agricultural science, business, family and consumer science, and computer science. Upperclassmen may opt to take trade and vocational educational courses at the Washington Career and Technical Center.

Students are required to complete four units of English, three units of mathematics, three units of science, three units of social studies, one-and-one-half units of physical education, and one-half unit of health. Students wanting to attend college follow a college preparatory curriculum which follows Louisiana's TOPS scholarship requirements, which includes four units of English, four units of mathematics, four units of science, four units of social studies, two units of a foreign language, one unit of fine arts, and a half-credit in a technology class.

Athletics and extracurricular activities

Beau Chêne High School is classified by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association as a Class 4-A school (Division II in volleyball and soccer) and competes in that division's District 5 (District 2 in volleyball; District 3, soccer).[13] Beau Chêne offers its students the following sports: Football Boys (Varsity), Basketball Boys (Varsity), Basketball Girls (Varsity), Baseball Boys (Varsity), Softball Girls (Varsity), Volleyball Girls (Varsity), Cross Country Boys (Varsity), Cross Country Girls (Varsity), Soccer Boys (Varsity), Soccer Girls (Varsity), Track & Field (Outdoor) Boys (Varsity), Track & Field (Outdoor) Girls (Varsity), Power Lifting Boys (Varsity), Power Lifting Girls (Varsity), Football Boys (Junior Varsity), Basketball Boys (Junior Varsity), Basketball Girls (Junior Varsity), Baseball Boys (Junior Varsity), Softball Girls (Junior Varsity), Volleyball Girls (Junior Varsity), Cross Country Boys (Junior Varsity), Cross Country Girls (Junior Varsity), and Soccer Boys (Junior Varsity). The school also offers cheerleading, dancing, and color guard.[13]

In addition to its athletic program, Beau Chêne offers a host of clubs and organizations students can join. Those organizations are 4-H; FFA; Beta Club; National Honor Society; Spanish Club; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Student Council; Peer Leaders; Academic Talent Search; Upward Bound; Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America; Governor's Program on Abstinence; Future Business Leaders of America; and Beau Chêne Quiz Bowl.

Beau Chêne is renowned in the state of Louisiana for its participation in many of these organizations. The school's FFA, GPA, FCCLA and FBLA chapters are among the most active in the state, and their members often represent Louisiana and compete at their organizations' respective national conferences. Beau Chêne Quiz Bowl is a two-time regional champion and, in 2006, competed at the NAQT High School National Championship Tournament.

Mascot and colors

Beau Chêne's mascot is the gator. The school colors are navy blue, burnt orange, and gray.[14][13]

Alma mater

The lyrics of Beau Chêne High School's alma mater are as follows:

Come walk by my side through the doors of Beau Chêne High School
And our dear memories we will recall
Gators strong and true—Orange and Blue
We will never forget you.

Come walk by my side down the halls of Beau Chêne High School
As we enjoy our high school days.
Teachers and friends, laughter and fun
One for all, and all for one.

Beau Chêne High, hail to you
Altogether, friends old and new
Beau Chêne High, go big blue
Proudly we honor you.

Come walk by my side out the doors of Beau Chêne High School
Under the spreading live oak trees.
Our old friend until the end
Dear alma mater Beau Chêne High.

When sung, the words "memories" (first verse) and "until" (final verse) are truncated to fit the rhythm of the music. In addition, students (particularly graduating seniors) traditionally shout the words "Go Big Blue" (third verse) as opposed to merely singing that line.

Fight song

The lyrics of the fight song are as follows:

Stand together, Beau Chêne Gators, we all cheer for you.
Fight on to victory, fame, and glory for the orange and blue.
Like majestic oak trees boldly reaching for the sky,
With pride and honor win it all for Beau Chêne High.

When sung, students traditionally shout "BCH" between the second and third lines of the song.

Principals

Ronnie Daigle,[12] (1991–1995).
J. Larry Stelly,[15] (1995–2002).
Robert Lanclos,[16] (2002–2006).
Anthony Keith James,[17] (2006–2018).

Barbara Roberson, (2018–2019).

In May 2018, the St. Landry Parish School Board announced the appointment of Barbara Roberson as Principal of Beau Chene High School.[18] Roberson is the first woman to be appointed as Principal to a high school in St. Landry Parish. Prior to being appointed Principal at Beau Chene High School, Roberson was the Principal of Leonville Elementary, a position she held since 2013.[19]
Roberson's career began as a student teacher in 1990 in Delhi, Louisiana, at Delhi Elementary in the Richland Parish School System.[20] After Roberson completed her student teaching, she became a middle school teacher, teaching English/Language Arts and science to middle school students. In 1991, Roberson started teaching at Port Barre Elementary in Port Barre, Louisiana, and in 1995 she transferred to Port Barre High School and taught middle school students.[21][22] In 1993, Roberson was awarded the Professional Teacher Award from the Attention Deficit Disorder/Learning Disability Support Group.[23][24] At Port Barre High School, between 2000 and 2007, Roberson taught Special Education and was named department head.[25] She also served as the test coordinator and administrative assistant at Port Barre High School from 2007 to 2008.[26] In 2009, she was appointed Assistant Principal at Port Barre High School.[27] In 2013, she was appointed Principal of Leonville Elementary.[19] Under her leadership, Leonville Elementary was recognized as a Top Gains School in 2015 with three consecutive years of growth. In 2016, Roberson was recognized as one of three district-wide Principals of the Year.[28][29]
Roberson is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, a professional honor society of women educators.[30]

Tiffany Etienne (Interim Principal), (2019–present).

On August 7, 2019, Tiffany Etienne, a 1995 graduate of Beau Chene High School and who served in the capacity of Assistant Principal, was appointed Interim Principal in August 2019.

References
  1. "Beau Chene High School". Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana Believes. Louisiana Department of Education. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  2. "Family and friends support Beau Chêne homecoming queen on her debut". katc.com. September 29, 2018. Archived from the original on January 26, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2019. A friend of the family says tonight is also a celebration of how well the school demonstrates inclusion among their students.
  3. "Suit Seeks Desegregation of St. Landry Schools". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. March 10, 1965. p. 1.
  4. Monteilh, et al. v. St. Landry Parish School Board, et al., 6:65-cv-10912 (W.D. La. August 30, 2016).
  5. Ardoin, Bobby (September 1, 2016). "Federal judge is dismissing 47-year-old desegregation lawsuit against St. Landry school system". The Acadiana Advocate.
  6. Menard, Jane (November 21, 1986). "Board OKs zone lines". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. pp. 1, 14. Tempers got so heated once during Thursday's meeting that President Ronald Carriere called a short break. The administration's revised zoning plan passed, clearing the way for the selection of sites for the planned northwestern and southeastern high schools. The passage of the zoning plan also means the northern high school will be built at Lebeau, despite concerns by some that there are not enough people in northern St. Landry Parish to fill a 600-student high school. The zoning plan creates six zones: Opelousas, Eunice and Port Barre high schools, plus the new schools yet to be built.
  7. Menard, Jane (October 3, 1986). "School plan faces court test". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. pp. 1, 3. A citizen group plans to bring the St. Landry Parish School back to federal court, saying the new high schools it plans to build will create a quasi-racially segregated school system.
  8. Monteilh v. St. Landry Parish School Bd., 848 F.2d 625, 630, 631, 632 (5th Cir. 1988) ("St. Landry operated twelve high schools when a high school construction and consolidation plan was presented to the school board on February 13, 1986. Dudley Auzenne and Hilman Boudreaux, two supervisors of child welfare and attendance, had drawn up the plan, which then had gone to a supervisory committee. The plan consolidated the high schools into six and set tentative zone lines. On March 6, 1986, the Board adopted the proposed consolidation plan and called for a vote on a bond issue financing the construction of three high schools; the public approved the issue in early May. The Board on June 5, 1986, approved a partial consolidation plan for the 1986-87 school year. This plan made Grand Prairie High School a K-8 school and transferred the high school students to Plaisance and Washington High Schools. The plan also closed Melville High School and transferred those students to Melville Middle School; Krotz Springs students would be transferred to Port Barre High School. ... The St. Landry Parish School Board provides the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit with these 1986 enrollment figures for the high schools: Arnaudville 588, Eunice 654, Lawtell 293, Leonville 413, Melville 231, Opelousas 945, Palmetto 249, Plaisance 800, Port Barre 840, Sunset 442, Washington 439. ... The plan as adopted consolidated the eleven high schools into six, with rearranged attendance zones. Eunice, Opelousas, and Port Barre High were not consolidated. The zone lines for Opelousas and Eunice were not changed, and the only change for Port Barre was the inclusion of high school students from Krotz Springs. The Southeast school incorporated Arnaudville, Leonville, and Sunset schools, as well as some students from the Lewisburg area, who formally had attended Lawtell High. The North school incorporated Palmetto, Morrow, Melville, and Washington, as well as some students attending school in adjacent Avoyelles Parish. The Northwest school incorporated Plaisance, Washington, Grand Prairie, Lawtell, excluding Lewisburg, and nineteen students attending school in Evangeline Parish. ... federal courts lack the expertise and competence needed to dictate to school boards the location of new schools and the drawing of attendance zones.").
  9. Menard, Jane (March 20, 1987). "New school sites selected". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. pp. 1, 13. The new southeastern high school will be built along La. 93 halfway between Grand Coteau and Arnaudville ... The site for the southeastern high school was the one people in Arnaudville and Leonville pushed hard to get.
  10. La Grange, Zeralda (May 29, 1991). "Bye, bye Arnaudville High". Teche News. St. Martinville, LA. p. 1C. In the fall, AHS students and faculty will attend Beau Chene High, a consolidation of Arnaudville, Leonville and Sunset high schools, and the building that once housed AHS will take on new occupants as it transforms into Arnaudville Elementary. 'Consolidation has become a necessity to meet the needs of the kids.' Lanny Moreau, principal of AHS for the past 12 years, said. 'Arnaudville can't live in a shell.'
  11. Falanga, Gary (May 18, 1990). "Opelousas school bid delayed". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. pp. 1A, 5A.
  12. Delhomme, Ron (May 18, 1990). "Beau Chene shows off new facilities". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. pp. 1A, 13A. Ronnie Daigle, principal of Beau Chene High School, cuts the ribbon during the dedication ceremonies for the new school Friday. Also on hand were members of the St. Landry Parish School Board and Raymond Fontenot, school superintendent.
  13. "Beau Chene Louisiana High School Athletic Association School Directory". Louisiana High School Athletic Association. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  14. Falanga, Gary (February 5, 1991). "New high schools nearly complete". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. p. 1A. School colors are blue, gray and orange, while the mascot is the Gators.
  15. Wood, Danielle (August 22, 1995). "Good start for school says Supt". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. p. 1A.
  16. "Beau Chene principal appointed". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. May 3, 2002. p. 1A. The St. Landry Parish School Board unanimously approved Beau Chene teacher Robert Lanclos Thursday as the school's new principal ... Lanclos replaces Larry Stelly who was hired last month as transportation coordinator for the school system.
  17. "Public Notice, Anthony Keith James, Beau Chene High School". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. August 17, 2006. p. 9B.
  18. Ardoin, Bobby (June 3, 2018). "Guidry out as head coach of Beau Chene football". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. p. 8B. Beau Chene principal Barbara Roberson, appointed last week as the Beau Chene principal to replace Keith James, who retired, did not return a phone call made to her at the school on Friday, seeking comment on the opening of the AD and head football coaching positions.
  19. "Roberson appointed principal of Beau Chene". katc.com. KATC Communications. May 24, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  20. "New Primary School workers". Delhi Dispatch. Delhi, LA. December 4, 1990. p. 6. Barbara Roberson is a student teacher with Kathleen Parker in the 2nd grade at DPS.
  21. Wood, Danielle (December 8, 1995). "Specially built desks help student". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. p. 5A. ...gets ready for class at one of five desks built for her by Norman Roberson, the husband of her math teacher at Port Barre High School, Barbara Roberson. ... Of Barbara Roberson, Richard said, 'Every once in a while we'll get a teacher who really puts herself out toward the handicapped, and I believe that's what this teacher did.'
  22. "Port Barre class works with hospice". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. January 18, 2004. p. 2B. Mrs. Barbara Roberson's sixth-grade class in Port Barre was treated to breakfast by Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care on Wednesday. These young people gave of themselves during Christmas time by making felt mice and stick horses for patients.
  23. Taylor, Alliniece (May 16, 1993). "Special students have a special teacher: Attention Deficit Disorder requires students, teachers to develop new skills". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. p. C1. ... ADD/LD Teacher of the Year Award chosen by members of the Pupil Appraisal Center from a list submitted by parents of children with the disorder.
  24. "Roberson receives award". Delhi Dispatch. Delhi, LA. June 24, 1993. p. 5. Barbara Roberson...received the 1993 Professional Teachers Award from the Attention Deficit Disorder/Learning Disability Support Group at their meeting held Saturday, May 8, 1993. Mrs. Roberson, worked with 22 first grade students at Port Barre Elementary. Six of her students had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The ADD/LD Teacher of the year was chosen by members of the Pupil Appraisal Center in St. Landry Parish from a list submitted by parents of children with the disorder.
  25. Kirk, Stephanie (May 11, 2003). "Students transport ideas: Special vehicles, transportation focus of festival". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. p. B1. One of the themes for this year's Very Special Arts Festival was modes of transportation which include an air boat being tested by students from Port Barre High School. Showing Brandon Robin and Brandon Lavergne the finer points of the boat is Barbara Roberson, special education instructor. The event was held Friday, May 9, at the St. Landry Parish Pupil Appraisal Center.
  26. Burris, Alexandria (December 16, 2007). "Pulling together: Port Barre community copes in wake of deaths". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. pp. 1A, 5A. ...said Barbara Roberson, administrative assistant.
  27. "Public Notice". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. August 16, 2009. p. 7C. It was moved by Mr. Standberry, seconded by Mr. Young, with no objections, to accept Mrs. Roberson as Assistant Principal of Port Barre High, Motion passed.
  28. Arceneaux, Jordan (May 8, 2016). "Brown's contract is not renewed". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. p. 4A. In another mattter, Kelly Rabalais (Palmetto Elementary), Barbara Roberson (Leonville Elementary) and Karen Olivier (MACA) were honored as the principals of the year in the parish.
  29. "2016 Principals of the Year Lauded". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. May 15, 2006. p. 6A. Barbara Roberson was named the 2016-17 St. Landry Parish Middle School Principal of the year. Under Roberson's leadership, Leonville Elementary obtained: the second highest school performance in the parish--95.6(B), 12.2 points of growth, top gains school status and three years of consecutive growth.
  30. "Business Snaps". Daily World. Opelousas, LA. January 31, 2010. p. 8A. These women are the newest inductees into the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, which is a professional honor society of women educators. The organization promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education. It was established in 1929, having attained major objectives in improving opportunities for qualified women employed at every level of education as well as in advancing the status of women educators. The women were recently inducted at a special ceremoney in their honor held in Opelousas. These educators include, from left, Barbara Roberson, Kathy Olivier, Karla Miller, Gail Medus, Lisa Fuselier, Amy Carrier and Caludia Blanchard.
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