Denise Schleith’s French classes celebrated Mardi Gras on Feb. 26 at Merrick Avenue Middle School.
Seventh grade French students made Mardi Gras masks and learned about the history of Mardi Gras and its celebrations in various French-speaking countries, islands and New Orleans.
Student volunteers made “King cakes”, traditional cakes eaten during Mardi Gras, decorated with the colors representing Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold). Eighth grade French students continued their tradition from last year. As the tradition goes, the students who received the “baby” in their piece of cake the previous year would receive good luck for that year, and bring the “King cake” the following year.
All students received beads with Mardi Gras colors for answering questions about Mardi Gras and French culture.