Lake Charles, Louisiana

Louisiana Day

Louisiana Day was an opportunity for the school community to celebrate the state by incorporating social studies, science, math, and reading standards into grade level activities. A STEM activity started the day, a book on Louisiana was provided to each classroom, and culturally rich activities were scheduled for 30 minute periods throughout the day.

A Mardi Gras Krewe (parade and dance group) came dressed in costume, played Cajun music and danced for and with the students. The Coast Guard, Mosquito Patrol, and State Police displayed and demonstrated their equipment and information. There also was a fishing exhibit, crawfish and frog races, and tractor rides. A Bee Keeper brought honey combs at several stages of harvesting and honey for students to taste. Parents provided a Louisiana food tasting for students. Everyone felt welcomed and appreciated for their various contributions to the event.

Accelerated Reader Carnival

The Accelerated Reader (AR) Carnival has improved over several years. It motivates Moss Bluff students to set goals and monitor progress over 9-week cycles in what they are reading at school and at home. If students meet their targeted reading goals based on their own data, they can participate in the carnival. Parents are provided information about AR, including how to log in to an electronic system to track their own child’s progress. Parents also interact with students at home and sign a weekly tracking report about reading.

In May, students who met their reading goals and their families came to the Carnival to play reading-related games that teachers developed or rented. They also watched a magician, enjoyed snow cones, popcorn, and other treats. High school students on the football and baseball teams helped conduct the activities. Students and parents benefitted from the real rewards that resulted from setting, tracking, and meeting reading goals in Accelerated Reading and English Language Arts.