Principal's Message

Welcome to Paradise Elementary School!

Hi, I’m Christy Dugas, and I’m honored to serve as the principal of Paradise Elementary. My journey in education began after I graduated from Louisiana State University in May 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I started my teaching career as a 3rd grade teacher at Slocum Elementary and later taught 4th and 5th grades at Peabody Montessori. In May 2011, I earned my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University, which opened new doors for me to support students and educators in even greater ways.

From 2013 to 2015, I worked as a Turnaround Specialist, helping low-performing schools in our district improve outcomes for their students. In 2015, I became assistant principal of Paradise Elementary, and in the summer of 2018, I stepped into the role of principal—a role that continues to inspire me every day.

As principal, I believe it’s my responsibility to create an environment where all students can succeed. I work hard to nurture a positive school culture, one where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. Fair and consistent policies ensure clear expectations, and I strive to make Paradise Elementary a place where everyone feels valued.

Supporting our teachers is another priority of mine. I make sure they have the tools and resources they need to provide high-quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of our students. I also work closely with our students to understand their unique challenges and guide them toward academic and personal success. By encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, I aim to help students build confidence and develop a well-rounded set of skills for life.

Being part of the Paradise Elementary community is a privilege, and I’m excited to continue fostering an environment where students grow, learn, and thrive. Together, we can achieve great things!