DECATUR — More than 200 people attended the Traveling through Arkansas night at the Northside Elementary School on Thursday.
The Traveling through Arkansas night and Arkansas week was held in place of International night this year to help fulfill state requirements for instruction on Arkansas history, according to organizer Leslie Thompson, who said she was pleased with the turnout for the event.
“I thought it went really well for the first year,” she said.
For students, the celebration beganon Monday and lasted throughout the week. Each classroom created its own display and filled the hallways with bright and interactive exhibits, including a walk-through map of the state and a diamond mine where students could dig for gems.
First graders created a life-size cow out of paper mache to represent Arkansas dairy farms, while special resources teacher Vicki Smith created a Razorback display complete with a giant blow-up Razorback Pig. A friendly feud ensued with first graders covering Smith’s classroom with cow stickers and black and white balloons.
It wasn’t long before first grade teacher Jennifer Kinder received a messagewith a picture of the cow blindfolded, holding a ransom note that said, “Send money to the U of A if you want to see your cow again.”
The pranks were all in fun, of course, and brought plenty of laughs to staff and children.
Students also got a chance to dress up as hill-billies, pioneers and famous Arkansans throughout the week.
On Wednesday, third and fourth graders presented several Arkansas skits and sang folk music for the other classes. On Thursday an Arkansas Game and Fish officer visited the school to teach students about Arkansas’ wildlife.
The week ended with a special night for parents and community members on Thursday. Participants followed a map of the state up and down the school hallways and visited booths about Arkansas culture and heritage.
Barbara Ihne told folk tales, and the T and L Express Band performed mountain music.
Students and community members can look forward to more Traveling through Arkansas festivals in future years. Thompson said she plans to alternate the Traveling through Arkansas and International night every other year.
News, Pages 1 on 05/12/2010