SENATOR GETS EDUCATION AT PARKWAY HIGH SCHOOL

  Parkway High School rolled out the red carpet Thursday for Senator Barrow Peacock, who went there to be educated in Civics, Advanced Math and cyber initiatives. He left impressed and students came away better educated in the legislative process.

  "It's an impressive school. There's a lot of pride here," Senator Peacock said. "Civics students are engaged and have some good questions." The senator added he was especially impressed by the depth of their inquiries.

  Peacock chose to visit Parkway as part of a resolution passed in the Senate for legislators to teach and observe for at least two days each year while in office. 

  Principal Dr. Nichole Bourgeois and her faculty greeted Senator Peacock and went over his itinerary, then shared Parkway's vision. Bourgeois then escorted the senator to his first assignment; a roundtable discussion in Dale Bozeman's Civics class, where no topic was off the table.

  Students questioned Senator Peacock about his stance on film tax credits, privatization of LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport and the issue of over-populated schools, to which he answered "It's a good problem to have. You don't want it the other way." He also complimented Bossier School Board's plan to address growth with the passage of its April 21 bond referendum. "At no increased cost to taxpayers," Peacock added.
 

  Bozeman bantered with Peacock, saying "Part of your job is to play the game." Peacock answered, "No politican gets anything done by themselves. I have to have 20 votes in the Senate, the majority, to get anything passed. Then, there's the House." He further elaborated to the class "there is a lot of talking, explaining and working with each other." 

  The rest of the senator's day at Parkway was just as lively. He sat in on a JROTC Civics class; ate lunch with student leaders, which was prepared by the school's Home Economics class; sat in on an Advanced Math class and videotaped a Public Service Announcement in the KPAW Studio. Senator Peacock also got a lesson in Parkway's cyber capabilities, learning about its impressive showing in past Mini Urban Challenges and how STEM classes relate to government and the protection of our nation.

  "For Parkway to be selected by Senator Peacock to participate in this program is a great honor and privilege," Dr. Bourgeois said. "Moreover, it is a tremendous opportunity for our students to personally meet with one of our elected state lawmakers and to learn that as young citizens their ideas do count."

  That came across loud and clear. Students were complimentary of the senator and grateful for his time spent with them. They also remarked how personable he is and how they have a better understanding of how our state government works.

  Senator Peacock also has a better understanding of what goes on in the classroom. Now when he goes back to Baton Rouge, his experience at Parkway will enable him to sit at the table and make informed policy decisions that shape the future of education.