LAPLACE — The first of two public meetings is planned this week for the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District to introduce its new magnet program for high school students to the community.

District leaders say the program will focus on college preparatory mathematics, science and English language arts courses to serve students focused on a STEM career.

Career pathways available in the program include digital design and pre-engineering, with classes such as robotics, engineering design, programming, digital storytelling, web design and photography, motion graphics and video.

Students will also be able to earn college credit while taking these classes focused on a STEM career.

Parents of students interested in the program are invited to attend one of two parent meetings Tuesday (March 27) and April 11, both at 6 p.m. at LaPlace Elementary School.

The program begins in the 2018-19 academic year and is open to eighth, ninth and tenth graders in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Students must meet at least ONE of the following criteria:

• Score mastery or advanced on any math or science LEAP from the prior school year

• Score good or excellent on any math or science EOC exam the prior year

• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA in math and science

• Be classified as gifted according to IDEA regulations

• Have completed a magnet program at John L. Ory or Garyville-Mt. Airy Math and Science schools

Applications will be accepted through April 20.

The program will be housed apart from the district’s two high schools on the former Leon Godchaux Junior High School campus at 1880 River Road in Reserve.

Bus transportation will be provided.

For more information, visit stjohn.k12.la.us.