16 Feb 2006
School Has Large Population of Students from New Orleans
DALLAS–A Mardi Gras celebration will be hosted by DISD Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center students and staff Friday, Feb. 24.
Currently Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center houses more than 75 students from New Orleans.
The festivities will include a presentation about the history of New Orleans as well as costumes and floats contests from all grade level students, beginning at 9:30 a.m. A parade and festival, which will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., will feature bands from Lincoln High School and Madison High School. The school is located at 4401 Second Ave.
"Serving a large number of students from New Orleans, we feel it is important to celebrate with them a cultural and historical event that has taken place in their schools for years," said Michael Palmer, Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center principal. "We want our DISD students and community to know, learn, understand and value a culture and life that is new to them."
Students are not the only ones looking forward to the festivity. "I am so excited about the Mardi Gras celebration. It will be very special for us being our first time away from New Orleans," said Audretta Roy, Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center parent.
The event also will include dance groups and cheerleaders from other schools in the area.