When Hand It On came to film the planting of a few vegetable seeds, they did not know that students in the Pointe Coupee Parish school gardens would Hand It Back. The seeds planted are now being harvested at Valverda and the harvest is plentiful. A large basket was recently presented to WAFB when a road trip brought the morning show to New Roads.

Mrs. Jo Ann Hebert was chosen as the Valverda Elementary School Teacher of the Year.   Having graduated with a BA from LSU, she began teaching in 1997 and is in her ninth year at Valverda Elementary School where she teaches fourth grade. With numerous professional awards, memberships, and recognitions, Mrs. Jo Ann believes in fostering a desire for self-improvement in both herself and her students. Her leadership and participation in the School Garden allows her to incorporate the best and most current teaching techniques to meet the various learning styles of all her students.   She also serves as a 4-H leader, and is active in community service.

Mrs. Jo Ann says that, “Children come to me in a variety of stages...Once they come in the door they are all the same, children that need love, attention, and an education.”   Her focus on collaborative learning both in and outside of the classroom fosters a sense of family among the students that allows them to work and grow in a nurturing school environment. She is the consummate example of continuing education and is a valued representative of Valverda Elementary as our Teacher of the Year.