Jennie K. Kolter Elementary School
 

Mardi Gras Feb 2007

Vive Mardi Gras!

Kindergarteners at Kolter Elementary proudly parade
around the school grounds in their Mardi Gras masks.

By Claire Frazier and Bryna Kennedy

    Kolter Elementary School’s French students celebrated Mardi Gras with food and flare this season.  Fifth and fourth graders had a Poem Contest. They had to memorize a minimum of 2 poems in French (about Mardi Gras, bien sur!) and present them to the class in an original manner. Intonation, pronunciation and fluency were also graded. Each class had a panel of 5 judges, including 4 of their own classmates. In fifth grade, the winner was James McKenzie and in fourth grade, Cathy Akli.

   Third graders put on masks and beads. They had a parade through the cafeteria in order to recreate a traditional parade of New Orleans or Galveston: throwing beads and coins at those who were dining or passing by.

   In second grade, it was all about tasting “crepes”—a traditional fare of Mardi Gras. The day before, they had studied the recipe for crepes and reviewed measurements. Their homework was to cook some at home.

   Kindergarteners and first graders made masks and then had a parade through Kolter’s gardens, shouting “Vive Mardi Gras!”  The children had a wonderful time as they learned—hands on—about this unique cultural event.

   Jennie K. Kolter Elementary School is an Exemplary Magnet School specializing in the teaching of international languages.  Beginning in kindergarten, Kolter students are offered courses in French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.    

Photo Credit:  Claire Frazier