Robert Alford named principal of Abney Elementary School

Here is a little information about Mr. Alford from his website: "First, I am very glad to be at Abney Elementary and look forward to working with the parents and the faculty and staff in successfully and safely educating the Abney students. I have been married for 35 years and my wife and I have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. My wife, Johnnie, is also an employee of St Tammany Parish School Board and serves in the capacity of early childhood coordinator. We have lived in Covington for the last 30 years and I have been a working for St. Tammany School Board since 1996. My first position with STPSB was as a para professional and then later as a special education teacher at Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville. Also, while at Fontainebleau High, I was the boy’s varsity soccer coach. In 2003, I took a position in the STPSB Special Education Department as an IEP facilitator and transition coordinator and have held that position for the last 5 years. As I begin my new position of principal, I look forward to a long and successful stay at Abney Elementary."

Diane Combs named Abney's new Assistant Principal

Here is a little information about Mrs. Combs:
"I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Abney Elementary community. I have been a Parish-wide Assistant Principal for the last two years.  This experience has enabled me to work in a variety of schools and gain valuable leadership skills. My teaching experience covers 20 years in the early elementary grades (13 years at Whispering Forest Elementary, Slidell and 7 years in Jefferson Parish). I hold a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, including a reading specialist certification.  Administration certification was received while completing my +30 credit hour post-graduate classification. On the personal side, I’m married to a St. Tammany Parish teacher, have 2 grown daughters, 4 step-children, and 13 grandchildren between us!  My husband and I enjoy spending time with family. We live on a lake and enjoy boating, tubing, and kayaking.  I am very excited to join the Abney Elementary family and look forward to getting to know everyone.  My goal is to be visible and involved with the students, parents, faculty, staff, and the Slidell community." 

Abney's Relay For Life Team raised over $3500 for the American Cancer Society this year! Thank you to Joelle deBautte, Taska Lipham, and the Abney faculty who participated in the fundraiser.

Abney Cafeteria wins honors-Congratulations to Debra Davis (food service manager) and her staff for receiving the following awards at the annual St. Tammany Parish School Board Food Service Awards’ banquet: Nutrition Advisory Council - Parish winner 2007/2008, Outstanding Food Service Program – St. Tammany Parish 2007/2008

Vicki Martinez named Abney's Teacher of the Year

Melissa Eason named Elk's Teacher of the Year (lower elementary)

Lisa Koch named Elk's Teacher of the Year (upper elementary)

Abney PTA won the following awards for the 2007-2008 school year: 100% Faculty Membership Award, Membership Increase Award by Percent and Number, 10+ Merchant Memberships Award, and 100+ Father Memberships Award. Congrats and thanks for all of the hard work this past year! Please visit the PTA site for more information.

Open House Nights Schedule:

Abney Fall Family Festival will be Saturday, November 15, 2008. Details to follow.