News Summary
David Raines Community Health Centers launches a drive providing school uniform vouchers and wellness checks for students in Shreveport.
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana – David Raines Community Health Centers is launching a back-to-school drive throughout August at its two locations in Shreveport, aiming to ease financial burdens for local families. The initiative offers free school uniform vouchers as well as wellness checks for students ahead of the new academic year.
The uniform vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, making it essential for families to arrive early to secure these resources. Along with the vouchers, the health centers will also conduct free wellness checkups for students. For those needing sports physicals, these will be available at standard prices, allowing families to prepare for upcoming athletic seasons.
As the back-to-school drive kicks off, the Caddo Parish school district prepares for its academic year, with the first day back for students set for Wednesday. Over 55,000 students are expected to return to classes, prompting the school district to implement a series of new policies aimed at enhancing educational experience and safety.
The new Superintendent of Caddo Parish, Keith Burton, has proposed a one-time $1,000 stipend for eligible educators and support staff to acknowledge their hard work. This proposal will be reviewed at the upcoming school board meeting scheduled for August 19. Notably, the last pay increase for Caddo Parish staff was recorded in 2017, highlighting the need for new compensation discussions.
Moreover, Caddo Parish is experiencing school consolidation due to a declining student population, causing some students to transition to different schools. To maintain a conducive learning environment, new regulations have been introduced, including a prohibition on personal cell phones during school hours. Violations of this rule will lead to confiscation of the device, requiring a parent to retrieve it afterward.
In terms of attendance policy, parents will now be limited to providing only three illness notes per semester for absences, with exceptions made only for doctor’s notes if additional days are needed away from school. These revised policies aim to improve student attendance and accountability within the district.
Further supporting the return to school, local organizations are also stepping up with back-to-school events. Notably, Rice and Kendig Injury Attorneys distributed 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to children, aiming to alleviate the costs associated with starting the school year. Additionally, an event organized by Maggie Lee’s Give for Good and Sports Spectrum provided uniforms, shoes, and essential items to local students, contributing to community efforts to assist families during this busy time.
In light of community safety, new state laws have been implemented that mandate school zone cameras to capture speeding violations, alongside requirements for proper road markings indicating school zones. These initiatives reflect an ongoing commitment to improving both the educational environment and student safety in Caddo Parish as the new school year approaches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Law Enhances Safety in School Zones
Caddo Parish Schools Welcome Students with New Policies
Lake Charles Celebrates National Health Center Week
Shreveport to Host Big Health Event for Community Wellness
Shreveport Organizes Back-to-School Giveaways for Families
Khaki Fair Provides Free School Uniforms for Shreveport Families
Shreveport Urges School Safety as Students Return
Shreveport Implements New Security Measures at Government Plaza
Shreveport Hosts 21st Annual Back-to-School Giveaway
Shreveport Community Rallies for Back-to-School Support
Additional Resources
- KTBS: Thousands of Caddo Students Return to Class Wednesday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Back-to-School
- KTAL: Businesses Host Back-to-School Giveaways
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- KSLA: Doctor Recommends Parents Speak to Children About Dangers of Drug Use
- Google News: Back-to-School Events
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
