Lake Charles, Louisiana
Clifton’s Louisiana Family Fun Day
J.D. Clifton has a history of celebrating the culture of Louisiana throughout the school year, including Louisiana Family Fun Day. The celebration showcased crawfish races, face painting, number/cake walk, duck ring toss, estimation, stuff the boudin (local sausage), arts and crafts, sack race, watermelon roll, and a train ride. Games were based on reading and math standards to help students improve skills while having fun with their family and teachers.
Food for the day was distinctly Cajun, as local vendors and community partners donated jambalaya and sausages, along with treats such as snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy. In addition to free food and activities, community partners provided information on health and safety.
This year the school was reconfigured as a Pre-K to 2 building. Leaders opened the celebration to the community including the 3rd and 5th graders who now attend a different school. The local news station broadcasted the day showing the rich culture of the state and the outstanding participation of Clifton’s parents and the community.
Mardi Gras Mathness!
Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a true cultural phenomenon. J. D. Clifton Elementary School turned Mardi Gras Madness into Mardi Gras Mathness! Turnout was high—about 100 parents and community members, over 300 students, and more than 40 teachers. Mardi Gras beads and candy, donated by community members, staff, and parents, were in abundant supply.
Parents came to the school to join students, teachers, administrators, and community volunteers in playing math games. The games addressed the math standards measured on state and other tests at each grade level. These included games for number recognition, number matching, number patterns, estimation, fractions, probability, and basic arithmetic. Many parents attended because they wanted information on the new math curriculum and tests their children take. They also wanted to know how to help at home. The students at all grade levels (Pre-K to 2) were valuable resources in showing parents how they are building new math skills. Parents saw how to reinforce math at home using simple games and activities. Student and parent interactions were positive. Everyone was so engaged, they had to be reminded that it was time to go home.
The attendees also enjoyed an extra treat. Krewe Gumbo De Yaya, a Mardi Gras float and parade group, came to school in costume to demonstrate their parade dances. They brought true Louisiana culture to Mardi Gras Mathness!
Mardi Gras Mathness is featured in Promising Partnership Practices 2016.
