French School Mardi Gras Parade Brightens Downtown Winnetka

Submitted by Maria Muro

On Tuesday, the French School took its annual Mardi Gras parade to the streets
of Winnetka delighting local merchants and residents with their spirited singing
and colorful Mardi Gras ensembles.

Traditionally, students in France wear elaborate costumes, masks and hats for
extravagant citywide Mardi Gras celebrations. Similarly, French School students
crafted ornate hats and masks for the school parade. Three-year-olds in the
Petite Section clucked around town in their colorful chicken hats with feathers
and all. Four-year-olds in the Moyenne Section impressed with their triceratops
hats while kindergarteners created a school of colorful fish with their sea-inspired
masks. Not far behind, the first graders put a smile on everyone’s face with their
pond animal hats.

Inspired by New Orleans, the children also wore iconic Mardi Gras beads to
complete their festive attire. Together, the classes paraded through the streets
of downtown Winnetka, singing and enjoying the oohs and aahs that a true
parade deserves.

About the French School

The French School, located in Winnetka, IL, offers a unique educational alternative
to English-speaking preschool/kindergarten and early elementary education. The
half-day French immersion preschool/kindergarten program, taught by native
speaking teachers, accepts children from age three, a prime age for language
acquisition. The school follows a comprehensive and balanced curriculum mirrored
after France’s education system that is both engaging and age-appropriate.
Additionally, the French School offers 1st and 2nd grades.
The French School is still accepting applications for the 2011/2012 school
year. For additional information or to request a brochure and application form, visit
www.FrenchInstituteNS.com or call 847.501.5800.