ACADIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)–  As students enjoy the last of their summer vacation, teachers at Church Point Elementary in Acadia Parish have been preparing for the new school year for several weeks.

For kindergarten teacher Chelsea Miller the start of another school year is another opportunity to do what she loves. “I’m getting a whole new bunch of kids, I can’t wait I’ve been here all summer working hard getting ready for them. Just getting to know my students and their families, becoming part of their families.”

Acadia Parish schools are starting the new school year on a positive note—with a 41 percent increase in mastery scores on the LEAP test since 2012.

“It’s been a long journey,” said Acadia Parish School Superintendent John Bourque. “You really work all year long for one day to come out and say “did we do well?” I’ve always said I don’t worry about test scores because I know we work as hard as we can but this sure is icing on the cake for us.”

It’s people like Taylor Richard, a third-grade teacher at Church Point elementary who prepare students for testing. “It’s a lot of planning and brainstorming and how can we help them ease into the adjustment…and so that’s why I’m here a lot of days during the summer so that on day one preparation starts.”

Also new this school year…Church Point Elementary is among several Acadia Parish schools implementing the ‘Leader in Me’ program, which teaches successful habits.

“(the program) is seven habits that will just make you a better person and better prepared for life.” explained Richard. “It’s not only for students, it’s for adults, it’s for the elderly, it’s for everyone.”

School starts in Acadia Parish on Wednesday, August 10th.