Back to School Welcome Letter

Dear Southern University Laboratory School Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am thrilled to welcome back our returning students and extend a warm welcome to our new students and families joining us this year. Your SULS Family hope you had a wonderful summer filled with relaxation, adventure, and cherished memories. As we prepare to embark on this new academic journey, we wanted to extend our warmest greetings and share our anticipation for all the amazing experiences that lie ahead.

Throughout the past few months, our dedicated team has been working diligently to ensure that everything is ready for your return. Our school is slowing going through a transformation as we are pleased to inform you that we are undertaking significant renovations across our school campus. These improvements include updates to our restrooms, windows, lighting, walkways, and various other facilities. These changes are designed to enhance the learning environment and ensure our students have access to modern, safe, and comfortable spaces.

At our school, we believe that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about fostering a love for learning. Our highly qualified and enthusiastic teachers are passionate about their subjects and are dedicated to creating an environment where curiosity and intellectual growth flourish.

As we prepare for an exciting and productive year ahead, I want to share some important updates and information with you.

Middle School Block Scheduling

This year, our middle school will be shifting to block scheduling. Students will now have four 90-minute classes each day. Within these blocks, students will attend math and English classes every day. They will visit their Social Studies, Science, P.E. and elective every other day. This change aims to provide deeper learning opportunities and a more focused instructional approach. Migrating to block scheduling will also reduce the number of transitions for middle school students.

Open House/Orientation

We are excited to invite you to our Open House/Orientation on Monday, August 5, 2024, starting at 9:00 am. Due to our ongoing renovations, the event will be held at the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Mini Dome). This orientation is a crucial opportunity for you to meet teachers, learn about the upcoming school year, and understand our expectations and goals. Students will receive their schedules and be allowed to turn in pertinent information relative to the start of school.

Communication and Email Updates

Effective communication between school and home is essential. Therefore, we urge all parents to ensure we have up-to-date and accurate email addresses. Our school utilizes Google Classroom as its learning management system. Soon, students will receive invitations to join their respective Google Classroom cohorts. Once students accept these invitations, parents will also receive invitations. It is vital for parents to accept these invitations to stay informed about assignments and other important information.

Student Attendance

Consistent attendance is critical for academic success. Students must attend school regularly, arrive on time, and be present for the full instructional day. Students can be dropped off at 7:30 AM and class begins promptly at 7:50 AM. According to the Compulsory Attendance Law, elementary students must attend a minimum of 167 days per school year, and middle and high school students must attend a minimum of 81 days per semester or 162 days per school year.

Cafeteria Information

We are offering different payment options for school meals. Families can purchase breakfast and lunch daily, weekly, or monthly through MyMealTime.com. Please visit the link provided for detailed instructions on how to set up an account and make payments. Starting Fall 24’ breakfast will increase to $2.75. For any questions, contact the school at (225) 771-3490.

Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA)

We are excited to support the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge (YEA BR), a national after-school program that helps high school students start and run their own businesses. The program begins this fall and is open to students in grades 8-12. For more information, visit www.yeabr.org.

Tuition Payments

The due date for tuition payments is July 31st. Please access your Transact online tuition portal through our website or Quick Links in the app. To access your Transact online tuition portal, please [CLICK HERE]. The tuition portal can also be accessed via Quick Links within the app and/or www.sulabschool.com.
CLICK HERE for Registration Instructions

After Registering Tuition Account

Username: Your child's Unumber
Password: Enter the temporary password found in your email & Reset

In the portal, you can pay tuition and set up your payment plan. The payment plan is our old deferment, just under a new name. The stipulations remain the same. If you haven't already, please complete the online registration form [HERE]. For any questions, please contact me by email for a faster response at Jessica_Mellieon@sulabschool.com.

For any questions regarding tuition, contact the school at 225-771-3490.

Instructions and Payment for PSAT Exams

The PSAT is an optional test that provides practice for the SAT Reasoning Test through personalized feedback of student performance with suggestions for improvement. The SAT Reasoning Test, usually taken later in the junior year, can be used as a standardized test in college applications and may be helpful for students wanting to pursue admission to highly competitive colleges or universities. The PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Top performing juniors nationally (approximately 1%) may be eligible for money through National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Scholarship funds.

In addition the PSAT Score Report grants you free access to personalized online test prep materials.

9th-11th grade students can sign up to take the PSAT at school. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The PSAT will be given October 14-16, 2024. The cost for the exam is $20.00.

Click the link to register and pay. https://eazyticks.com/events/psat-1

The deadline is September 6, 2024

Instructions and Payment for AP Exams

Advanced Placement® courses offer students the opportunity to earn college credit by taking rigorous courses in high school. Students who demonstrate mastery of the material on a national standardized end-of-course exam – a score of 3 or higher out of 5 – may be eligible for college credit for the course.

AP Exams are given in the first week of May. Please note that AP Exam dates and times are set by College Board and cannot be changed.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 @ 8:00 AM- Human Geography

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 @ 12:00 PM- United States Government and Politics

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 @ 8:00 AM- English Literature and Composition

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 @ 12:00 PM- Environmental Science

The cost for AP Exams is $100 exam exam. The due date is November 11, 2024.

Late Registration fee is $40
Late Testing fee is $40

Click the link to register and pay. https://eazyticks.com/events/ap-exam

Development Information

The Office of Development and Advancement works in alignment with the mission of the Southern University System Foundation in efforts to provide educational opportunities, philanthropic partnerships, and investments for our future. The Southern University Laboratory School has etched itself throughout our community by way of scholarship, legacy, family, and spirit. We are excited to have the opportunity to highlight these pillars that not only raise awareness, but exemplifies the true essence of the “Laboratory School.”

The annual Southern University “Give Day” campaign will be held on August 30, 2024. Southern University “Give Day” is the final appeal for the annual Million Dollar March Campaign. This virtual event seeks to encourage and engage alumni and friends to join together to secure philanthropic contributions for the campuses and departments of the Southern University System.

Directions for Athletic Pictures

Athletic photos will be taken on Friday, August 2nd, at 2 PM.

All athletes must be ready by 1:45 pm (head coaches will have a designated meeting location for each team).
The head coach or an adult representative must always remain with the students.
Coaches/Sponsors are responsible for contacting their athletes and parents to inform them about the photoshoot.
Coaches/Sponsors are responsible for uniforms (Please use a variety of uniforms)
Coaches/Sponsors are responsible for athletic props (ex: football, baseball, bat, cheer poms, instrument, etc.)
EVERY SENIOR STUDENT athlete will take a headshot. (Please wear the designated sport uniform/jersey)
Elite Paraphernalia only No Nike, Adidas, Under Armor etc. No paraphernalia promoting any college and or university.