It has always been rewarding to be a Gator. With years of history behind the school, the Swamp has many rich traditions and wonderful emerging ideas that benefit our students. It is exciting to witness student, parent and faculty leadership emerge that enhances traditions with innovations. I hope that this web site will give the flavor of our mission and spirit in order to help you channel your interest to viable programs associated with the school.

Two magnet programs in a super neighborhood. Over the years, we surveyed students about their academic interests by asking, "What courses would you like for the school to add?" In addition to the traditional interest in medicine and law, the responses fell into two camps, engineering and liberal arts. The faculty created unique courses to supplement the strong core courses and to define the two magnet programs. So, in addition to traditional Advanced Placement and honors courses, the magnet programs require courses like philosophy, comparative politics, and engineering graphics or computer aided drafting. Unlike many magnet programs, courses in our magnet are taught at an advanced level. Therefore, students are attracted to the quality of the education.

"Academics first" continues to be the focus of Gators under the leadership of their teachers just as it was when Captain Shreve was the first school in Shreveport to be designated a Blue Ribbon School. Students have excelled in so many academic challenges. In my many years at Captain Shreve High School, I have never been more excited about the potential of this school. Each school year fills us with renewed energy and high expectations. Teachers are excited about the caliber of students in the academic program, and coaches see a bright future in athletics. The academic program has always enjoyed a good reputation, and we know that we must protect its priority status. The faculty addresses student achievement as a function of their professionalism.

Leaders on the grow. In partnership with academics is our focus on leadership development. The energy expended on leadership training has paid off in important ways. Examples are the national awards won by our Student Council for our Mike Mark Memorial Award Assembly and for our Camp Gator. The two programs bridge the past and the present. The Mike Mark Award, given since the late 1970s, is regarded by our seniors as the most prestigious award at Captain Shreve High School. On the other end of the time line is Camp Gator, conducted by the Student Council in mid-August for our new students. The experience is exceptionally rewarding for new Gators and for those of us who revel in their excitement. Ninth graders receive the freshman T-shirt. The theme of the day relates to the "secrets" to success in high school as well as the Alma Mater, fight song, and cheers for pep rallies and games. It is a great jump start on the first days of high school.

GatorScape. Created as a project by students to express pride in the campus, organizations adopt zones of the campus to develop and maintain. Because of strong student and faculty leadership, GatorScape has brought attention to the Swamp as a first place high school in Shreveport Green's Clean Campus Award over multiple years, and thereby, earned the Seal of Excellence. The Alumni Association continues its significant enhancement of the school. From their pavilion, the Gator Walk/Run and renovation of the auditorium to the memorial garden plus a massive landscaping project, they are ever present and always creative.

Winter & Spring Activities. Gators believe that a strong academic program should be complimented by a strong athletic program. You only had to watch our boys' and girls' teams to know that we are on the right track with players and with coaches. Each season confirms that commitment to improve is strong, and that the programs are important for the Gators. Additionally, the band program has improved under new leadership and with the support of our untiring Band Booster Club.

Parent support. Not long ago, our PTSA won the State Outstanding Unit Award for its many supportive programs and its volunteers. The CSHS Athletic Council supports all of our athletic programs. A major project was refurbishing and upgrading the weight room for our male and female athletes and our physical education students. It is out of this world! Students are so proud of the new floor, new paint and high class weights and machines. The Athletic Council is for all and needs the support of all who believe in athletics.

The Times endorsement. When Mike Whitehead was editor of the local newspaper, The Times, wrote in his article about his visit to classes at CSHS, "These young women and men were sharp, on top of their game and inquisitive." He was correct about the quality of our students. In a parallel fashion, many of us could have written about Gators who are also "on top of their game" in school and community service organizations and activities, and about alumni who continue the tradition.

Gators are important. The Swamp is ready for active, committed new students to complement the current student body and the very effective PTSA, booster clubs, and student organizations. We want students to identify with pride with this school and with each other. Across the myriad of activities, there is a place for every Gator to make commitments that make a difference in the Swamp. I am eager to see you or to hear from you. You can be a dynamic force for this school.

Sincerely,
Sandra McCalla, Principal