In less than a week, Bossier Parish will embark on a new school year.
More than 100 new teachers were officially welcomed into the Bossier Schools family Wednesday at the Bossier Chamber of Commerce annual new teacher luncheon.
The event is held each year to welcome new teachers to the community, give words of encouragement through team-building keynote speaker Bonnie Dubin and provide a place to meet new friends and community leaders.
Chamber President Lisa Johnson said the Bossier Chamber recognizes the relationship between local businesses and the school system and how important education is to the Bossier community.
Rita Sullivan will start her first year at Bossier Elementary School as enrichment teacher. She walked away a big winner at the luncheon when her ticket number was called as the winner of a new iPad, courtesy of Barksdale Federal Credit Union.
Sullivan said her job will be very hands-on role and the new device came at the perfect time. At a time when technology is most beneficial to students, Sullivan said the iPad will be a useful tool for academic success.
“There are all kinds of educational apps that will benefit all types of learners,” she said. “I’m so happy that I will be able to use it with my students and bring additional technology and teaching methods to our students at Bossier Elementary School.”
Superintendent D.C. Machen thanked event sponsors for playing a vital role in the school system as supporters of positive learning experiences.
“From every facet of our community, there is an extended family reaching out and providing encouragement,” Machen said. “They recognize the role [teachers] play as educators in developing our community and future leaders.”
Sullivan extended a special thanks to Barksdale Federal Credit Union for supporting the school system and for providing unique teaching opportunities for the students.
“This is the latest and the greatest and I got it,” she said with a smile. “We are blessed to have the community support in ensuring academic success of our students.”
Teachers will begin the new school year Monday, Aug. 6, with in-service workshops. The first official day of school is Thursday, Aug. 9.


