Dear Discovery Schools Family,
Today, on Veterans Day, the entire Discovery Schools family comes together in profound gratitude to honor the courageous men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day is a time of deep reflection, a moment to celebrate those who answered the call to protect our nation and preserve our freedoms. Within our own school community are veterans of every branch: parents, grandparents, educators, staff members, board members, alumni, and neighbors. Your life and service provide our students with a living example of the core values we strive to build every single day:
Honor: Demonstrated in your uncompromising integrity, selflessness, and devotion to a cause higher than oneself.
Endurance: Shown through your steadfast resilience, courage, and strength in the face of challenge and sacrifice.
Academic Achievement: Reflected in the intense discipline, constant learning, critical thinking, and mastery required to serve and lead in an ever-changing world.
Responsibility: Evident in your profound commitment to civic duty, your teammates, and the protection of our country.
Tolerance: Expressed through your defense of liberty, unity, and justice for all people across diverse communities and cultures.
To all who have worn the uniform: thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the path of opportunity you have protected for future generations. You show our young people what it truly means to lead with character and purpose. We are endlessly grateful for you today and every day.
With deep respect and appreciation, from our HEART to yours!
Discovery Schools Administration
You never cease to amaze us: 333 volunteer spots have already been filled for Swamp Fest this weekend! Every one of those shifts represents a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or high school student who chose to give their time so our students can enjoy a fun weekend! You all make Swamp Fest possible, and we are so grateful for each one of you.
We are SO close to the finish line, and we need just a little more help. We still have 46 volunteer spots to fill, and our biggest need is Sunday. If these shifts aren't covered, we unfortunately will have to close some booths temporarily, and we would hate for any child to miss out because a booth can't stay open.
Helping is easy:
• Shifts are just 2 hours
• Every volunteer receives a FREE food and drink coupon for every shift worked
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BA8A722AAFAC07-66609988-swamp
With over 3,000 students across Maine, Vintage, Loyola, and DJOD, events like Swamp Fest only happen when we all pitch in. If you can give 2 hours or more, please consider signing up.
If you have already signed up, THANK YOU! This is what it means to lead with HEART. Let’s work together to keep every booth open so every Swamp Owl gets to enjoy the fun all weekend long.
We can't wait to see you this weekend!
With gratitude,
Sharon Preen, M.Ed.
Chief Executive Officer/Head of School
and Discovery Schools Admin Team
Leah Fonte, a graduate of the Kenner Discovery Class of 2023, was a cherished member of our Swamp Owl community and exemplified HEART in all she did. In November 2025, she partnered with Kenner Discovery to collect donations for her trip to Panama with the Global Dental Brigades Club. In May, that trip provided free dental care and hygiene supplies to underserved communities.
Tragically, Leah's life was cut short in an accident, leaving our community heartbroken. To honor her memory, we are raising funds to continue the work she believed in, providing free dental care and hygiene supplies through Global Dental Brigades. Every donation, big or small, honors her legacy. To contribute, please visit www.givebacks.com/causes/kdhsa/campaigns/leah
Leah will live on in our hearts forever. Thank you for helping us honor her legacy.
Dear Swamp Owl Families,
We want to make sure our families and students are aware of an important change in Louisiana law regarding marijuana and THC products near schools.
Effective August 1, 2026, new legislation significantly increased the criminal penalties for possessing or using marijuana, including THC vapes, on or near school campuses.
Please take a moment to review the enclosed flyer with your student and discuss the importance of understanding this new law and its potential consequences.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe and informed.
Sharon Preen, M.Ed.
Head of School/CEO
Discovery Schools
📢 **2026–2027 Student and Parent Handbook**
The updated 2026–2027 Student and Parent Handbook is now available! Please review the entire handbook, especially the Discovery Discipline Model section, which has been revised to reflect our new Behavioral Response & Intervention Framework and our focus on consistent, supportive, and restorative responses to student behavior.
Please review the handbook carefully so we can begin the school year aligned and prepared to support our Swamp Owls! It can be found on our website and by clicking here.
Dear Swamp Owl Families,
Discovery Schools will observe the Juneteenth federal holiday on Friday, June 19, 2026. In recognition of this important day in our nation's history, all Discovery campuses and programs will be closed.
This closure includes all summer learning programs, summer camps, athletic activities, and campus offices. Regular summer programming and campus operations will resume on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a time to honor freedom, resilience, and the contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history. As a community committed to our H.E.A.R.T. values of Honor, Endurance, Academic Achievement, Responsibility, and Tolerance, we recognize the importance of learning from the past while continuing to build a culture of respect, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
We hope our families enjoy a meaningful holiday and time together.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
With H.E.A.R.T.,
Mrs. Sharon Preen and Discovery Schools Administration
Today, Discovery Schools joins communities across the nation in honoring and remembering the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on their sacrifice and express gratitude for the freedoms their bravery helped protect.
We also extend our appreciation to the military families within our community whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire us.
As you spend time with loved ones today, we hope you are able to enjoy a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Memorial Day.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Discovery Schools family and for continuing to show HEART in all that you do.
With H.E.A.R.T.,
Discovery Schools
Happy MLK Day! Click here for message about holiday.
Swamp Owl Families: please click the link below for a very important message sharing another way to protect your child(ren) from the dangers of artificial intelligence. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LjAfY1mM2dgOntvmnQqRI6zxtNFLyjtK1DrHcQaH7c4/edit?usp=sharing
Good morning,
Today, Discovery Schools proudly joins our nation in honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms embody the very essence of our H.E.A.R.T. core values: Honor, Endurance, Academic Achievement, Responsibility, and Tolerance.
We are especially grateful to the veterans within our Swamp Owl community. Your service and example inspire our students to live with purpose and integrity every day. Thank you today, tomorrow and forever!
From our H.E.A.R.T. to yours,
Discovery Schools Administration
Link to raffle site: https://discoveryschools.eventgroovefundraising.com/discoveryraffle
City Park Night wristbands on sale now for $15! The price goes up to $20 on Wednesday. https://my.cheddarup.com/c/discovery-schools-pto-city-park-night-august-30th-2025/items
Want to avoid the long entry lines at City Park? Pick up your wristbands early at school and head straight into the fun!
👉 Wristband Pick-Up Day:
📅 Wednesday, August 27th
⏰4:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 DJOD, Maine & Loyola– Front Office
Wristbands can also be picked up at the event if you are unable to pick them up early.