School Year 2016 Night Class Well Received and Successful
PEPI is delighted to report that of the 35 learners who attended the re-instituted night class this past year, 8 of them went on to take and pass the HiSET exam. We wish them continued success in their educational and work pursuits.
Congrats go out to: M Baker, T Denby, M Gary, K Landry, D LaPorte, M Menchaca, H Moneaux and A Trahan
Congrats go out to: M Baker, T Denby, M Gary, K Landry, D LaPorte, M Menchaca, H Moneaux and A Trahan
PEPI receives Dollar General Literacy Foundation $10,000 Grant
"Consistent with our mission of Serving Others, we are excited to provide these organizations with funding to further literacy and education across the communities we call home," said Todd Vasos, Dollar General's CEO. "It is always so exciting to see the true and meaningful impact the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has on both children and adults looking to improve their lives through literacy."
PEPI could not agree more. The Corporate Board of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province; the Board of Directors; Staff and Adult Learners are most grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for their generous grant to PEPI.
Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $120 million in grants to non-profit organizations, helping more than 7.3 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. This local grant award is part of over $7.1 million in grants awarded to more than 900 schools, non-profits and organizations across the 43 states that Dollar General serves.
Please support your local Dollar General store as they continue to support our community.
PEPI Staff Attend Professional Development Conferences
April was an extra busy month for PEPI's staff. In addition to tirelessly performing their regular duties at PEPI, they each attended one of the two professional development conferences for adult educators.
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COABE
Commission on Adult Basic Education COABE's annual conference was held in Dallas, Texas. The four day event was attended by PEPI staff, Ms. Linda Landry, math instructor and Sr. Mary Ellen Theriot, SSND, computer lab coordinator.
Along with 2,000 other educators throughout the country, they enjoyed professional development sessions about math, technology, career pathways, English as a second language and corrections education, as well as several other related topics. 
Sr. Mary Ellen Theriot and Ms. Linda Landry with Leonard, instructor on HiSET Academy Computer Program
While they both came back encouraged and energized, Sr. Mary Ellen summed it up this way, "It's so encouraging and uplifting to meet other people who have the same goals, some of the same problems and a willingness to share their resources and ideas".
PEPI's entire staff is looking forward to implementing some of these ideas in the upcoming school year. |
LCTCS
Louisiana Community and Technical College System 
Keynote Speaker, Gov. John Bel Edwards
Edith Orphry, Shelby Fondal, Adele Wormser, Sr. Barbara Kraus, SSND, Sr. Magdalen Broussard, MSC
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2016 Scholarship Recipient
PEPI is proud to announce LaShonda Hall as the final 2016 scholarship recipient. In addition to fulfilling her responsibilities as a mother, aunt and caregiver to an elderly parent, LaShonda worked tirelessly to complete her studies and obtain her HiSET this year, with the goal of pursuing a career in Nursing.
LaShonda's energy and work ethic will surely see her through to the completion of that goal and we wish her the very best in this, the next journey in her life.
LaShonda's energy and work ethic will surely see her through to the completion of that goal and we wish her the very best in this, the next journey in her life.
LaShonda Hall / Nursing
DON'T MISS OUT
The deadline for submitting your application for PEPI's 2016 scholarship fund is March 1st. That leaves only 3 more weeks for past and current PEPI grads to download (see our scholarship page) or pick up your application, fill it out and get it back to us.
Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,250 towards tuition in his/her field of study at any of the area SLCC campuses.
Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,250 towards tuition in his/her field of study at any of the area SLCC campuses.
2016 Scholarship Funds
Two scholarship funds in the amount of $1,250 each are now available for PEPI graduates who wish to enroll in one of the community colleges for either the summer or fall 2016 semester.
If a little financial help is what you need to kick start your continuing education goal, please fill out the application that is available as a download from this website (at the bottom of the Scholarship page) or in person at the PEPI office.
If a little financial help is what you need to kick start your continuing education goal, please fill out the application that is available as a download from this website (at the bottom of the Scholarship page) or in person at the PEPI office.
Daily Iberian's "Help the Helpers" Article Published on December 8, 2015
Ed Granger, of New Iberia tutors Brazilian Michelle Wapnaraski in English
BY ASHLEY HINSON | THE DAILY IBERIAN
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have gotten an education. Those who decide to pursue their high school equivalent certification need extra help, especially foreign language students and older students.
That’s when the Progressive Education Program Inc, or PEPI, steps in and shines a light on the path to growth with the help of volunteers who give a few hours out of their week to teach, said PEPI Program Director Sister Barbara Kraus of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
PEPI is one of nine nonprofit agencies in Iberia Parish featured in this year’s Help the Helpers, a campaign spearheaded by The Daily Iberian to encourage giving to local groups that help the needy all year round.
Kraus said the organization gets state and federal funding and donations from people that go to paying bills to maintain the facility. What the organization really needs is volunteer tutors.
Right now, PEPI has just four volunteers and 192 students.
“Our mission is to educate adults so they can better themselves and their lives and the lives of their families and society,” said Kraus. “We prepare them for the Louisiana GED test, the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test). We also have English as a second language (ESL) class for those want to learn English. It’s education in its broadest sense.”
Sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, PEPI is located within the South Louisiana Community College Teche Area Campus at 609 Ember Drive and has students with ages ranging from 17-45 years old. Their needs are as diverse as their backgrounds. Some halted their high school education because they had to work to support their family, others dropped out of high school because of a language barrier and some because they just didn’t feel they needed it at the time.
All of them now recognize how vital it is for their future.
“They don’t want their children to drop out of school,” Kraus said. “They want a better job, and they know they can’t get one without at least a high school diploma. We tell them that is not the last step. It’s the first step, then (they should) to go to college. They can’t afford to go to college without that.”
PEPI is pretty laid back. Volunteers meet with students Monday through Thursday from the early morning to early afternoon, depending on the course. Volunteers meet with students one-on-one. Kraus said no special training is needed for volunteers.
A bookkeeper by trade, Jeannette Wilkins first wanted to volunteer to tutor literacy, but became a math tutor out of PEPI’s necessity for one. Wilkins has taught junior high school-level math since 2010. Wilkins said she helps students with the basics of math, like multiplication tables, or introductory geometry. Many of these students’ first languages are Spanish, Lao, or Vietnamese.
“Research says it takes people two years to learn a language, to know English and know its proficiency,” Wilkins said. “So what happens is students, because of work or family issues, they drop.
“They’re in and out don’t have the consistency of English, even though they’ve been in the country maybe 10 years. They don’t have a proficiency in English. They stop coming to class to go to work and provide for families and start over again.”
Kraus said the organization doesn’t have an ESL tutor, but it just works on the basics of language to prepare students to write a small essay for the HiSET. Although some skills are needed more than others, all are welcome to volunteer.
“I’d love for just a person to come in and sit with them,” Kraus said. “Everyone has their own special talents.”
Cash or check donations for Help the Helpers can be taken to The Daily Iberian office at the corner of Main and Lewis streets or mailed to Help the Helpers at The Daily Iberian, P.O. Box 9290, New Iberia, LA 70562. Checks should be made to Help the Helpers. Contributions can be marked for a specific participating Help the Helpers nonprofit organization or can be divided among all nine. Donors’ names will be published by the newspaper in an Honor Roll listing.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have gotten an education. Those who decide to pursue their high school equivalent certification need extra help, especially foreign language students and older students.
That’s when the Progressive Education Program Inc, or PEPI, steps in and shines a light on the path to growth with the help of volunteers who give a few hours out of their week to teach, said PEPI Program Director Sister Barbara Kraus of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
PEPI is one of nine nonprofit agencies in Iberia Parish featured in this year’s Help the Helpers, a campaign spearheaded by The Daily Iberian to encourage giving to local groups that help the needy all year round.
Kraus said the organization gets state and federal funding and donations from people that go to paying bills to maintain the facility. What the organization really needs is volunteer tutors.
Right now, PEPI has just four volunteers and 192 students.
“Our mission is to educate adults so they can better themselves and their lives and the lives of their families and society,” said Kraus. “We prepare them for the Louisiana GED test, the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test). We also have English as a second language (ESL) class for those want to learn English. It’s education in its broadest sense.”
Sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, PEPI is located within the South Louisiana Community College Teche Area Campus at 609 Ember Drive and has students with ages ranging from 17-45 years old. Their needs are as diverse as their backgrounds. Some halted their high school education because they had to work to support their family, others dropped out of high school because of a language barrier and some because they just didn’t feel they needed it at the time.
All of them now recognize how vital it is for their future.
“They don’t want their children to drop out of school,” Kraus said. “They want a better job, and they know they can’t get one without at least a high school diploma. We tell them that is not the last step. It’s the first step, then (they should) to go to college. They can’t afford to go to college without that.”
PEPI is pretty laid back. Volunteers meet with students Monday through Thursday from the early morning to early afternoon, depending on the course. Volunteers meet with students one-on-one. Kraus said no special training is needed for volunteers.
A bookkeeper by trade, Jeannette Wilkins first wanted to volunteer to tutor literacy, but became a math tutor out of PEPI’s necessity for one. Wilkins has taught junior high school-level math since 2010. Wilkins said she helps students with the basics of math, like multiplication tables, or introductory geometry. Many of these students’ first languages are Spanish, Lao, or Vietnamese.
“Research says it takes people two years to learn a language, to know English and know its proficiency,” Wilkins said. “So what happens is students, because of work or family issues, they drop.
“They’re in and out don’t have the consistency of English, even though they’ve been in the country maybe 10 years. They don’t have a proficiency in English. They stop coming to class to go to work and provide for families and start over again.”
Kraus said the organization doesn’t have an ESL tutor, but it just works on the basics of language to prepare students to write a small essay for the HiSET. Although some skills are needed more than others, all are welcome to volunteer.
“I’d love for just a person to come in and sit with them,” Kraus said. “Everyone has their own special talents.”
Cash or check donations for Help the Helpers can be taken to The Daily Iberian office at the corner of Main and Lewis streets or mailed to Help the Helpers at The Daily Iberian, P.O. Box 9290, New Iberia, LA 70562. Checks should be made to Help the Helpers. Contributions can be marked for a specific participating Help the Helpers nonprofit organization or can be divided among all nine. Donors’ names will be published by the newspaper in an Honor Roll listing.
Welcoming Our New Math Instructor
Linda Landry
Math Instructor
PEPI is very excited to introduce our new math instructor, Linda Landry. Before retiring from the Iberia Parish public school system, Linda taught junior and high school math for many years and PEPI's adult learners are now reaping the benefits of all that experience. Please join us in welcoming her to our PEPI family.
PEPI's 2nd Annual Po-boy Sale A Huge Success
Thank you to everyone who supported the PEPI Poboy Sale and made it such a great success. 300 poboys were sold and profits were $1200+. The PEPI staff, PEPI board members and volunteers started the day early making poboys, delivering large orders all over town, and filling orders right at PEPI's front door. We give thanks to God for all who worked and all who ordered and all who donated. See you next year!
2015 - 2016 School Year
PEPI started the 2015-2016 with 105+ students in day classes , online learning, English as a second language, and night classes. Some learners are continuing from last year, and some are new to PEPI. This year 29% of students are male and 71% are female. Students are Asian, African American, Hispanic and Caucasian and range in age from 16 to 59. Student educational levels range from adult basic education to adult secondary education and English as a second language. Hopes are high for the new year. Can PEPI count on your prayers and support?
Night Classes Begin
That's right. PEPI has re-instituted night classes. Classes began on September 14 and welcomed 12 learners.
Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm. New students will be taken in on the first Monday of each month. New students do not have to register in advance but just need to come to PEPI on the first Monday only to attend orientation and be tested.
Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm. New students will be taken in on the first Monday of each month. New students do not have to register in advance but just need to come to PEPI on the first Monday only to attend orientation and be tested.
Welcome to HiSET ACADEMY
Also new this year is a change in the computer program to support HiSET test preparation. This year learners will use HiSET ACADEMY from Essential Education. For several years PEPI used the Aztec Program which helped many learners. The HiSET ACADEMY program is brighter, more colorful and more aligned with the HiSET standards. One student commented about HiSET ACADEMY, "It's more challenging but great." Another student said, " I like the way they present the stuff you have to learn in small pieces in our language."
Career Days Planned
Career Wednesdays and Career Thursdays have become a new feature of life at PEPI. The state department of education has challenged all adult education programs in the state to provide a bridge for students not only to HiSET completion, but also to advancement in employment. So PEPI staff decided to initiate Career Wednesdays and Career Thursdays to educate our students about employment opportunities in various fields.
In August learners were taught in the individual classes about career possibilities related to railroads. Most could name the one who drives the train (engineer) as a railroad employee. They learned that other people from conductors to dispatchers to repair crews are all part of careers available with the railroad, all while learning Reading, Writing and Math. In September learners will consider careers in nursing.
In August learners were taught in the individual classes about career possibilities related to railroads. Most could name the one who drives the train (engineer) as a railroad employee. They learned that other people from conductors to dispatchers to repair crews are all part of careers available with the railroad, all while learning Reading, Writing and Math. In September learners will consider careers in nursing.
LAPCAE Conference
As summer vacation wound down, PEPI staff prepared for another successful school year by attending the 2015 LAPCAE (Louisiana Association for Public, Community & Adult Education) Conference. The conference, held in New Orleans from August 3rd thru August 5th, featured events, meetings, and workshops that provide professional development and networking opportunities for educators.
Edith Orphry, Sr. Barbara Kraus, SSND
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Adele Wormser, Sr. Mary Ellen Theriot, SSND
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Shelby Fondal, Edith Orphry
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Gabriella Jones, Shelby Fondal
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