[CharterSchools] LAPCS: Safety Tip Cards to keep bands/marchers safe this parade season

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

You can get original copies mailed to you for formatting for your school from Sarah vandergriff, LAPCS: svandergriff at lacharterschools.org...

New Orleans Public Schools and Mardi Gras Krewes Call for Citywide Support for Safety of Students During Mardi Gras Parades


 
New Orleans, LA – As schools across New Orleans prepare their marching bands, color guards, twirlers and majorettes to participate in Mardi Gras parades, the safety and wellbeing of students is at the top of their minds, according to school leaders, students and parade officials who united to make a coordinated statement about safety for the 2023 Season. 

This year will be the first time schools expect full participation by school marching bands since the pandemic, said Dr. Sharon Clark, Head of School, Sophie B. Wright High School. “For many students, this will be their first year ever to experience marching in Mardi Gras parades. We ask all revelers to make this a wonderful and safe event.” 

Violent incidents in New Orleans and the nation have increasingly been directed towards neighborhood communities with many school-aged children caught in the crossfire. 

With increased violence across the City, individual schools and parade officials have ramped up security for students marching in Mardi Gras events, said the spokespersons at Thursday’s press event. 

“It’s been said that Mardi Gras is the soul of New Orleans. And we believe that our school bands and dancers are the heart of the parades,” said Clark. “In the spirit of Mardi Gras and the joy that it brings to this community, we are here today to ask that the people of New Orleans join us to make the safety of our children a top priority.”

These actions include additional security such as school resource officers, increased chaperones, and the addition of private detail services by some individual organizations.  

Historically, the school bands from New Orleans, the state and from schools across the country are a major part of every Mardi Gras Krewe, said the presidents of Zulu and Rex. 

“These children are essential to our city and Mardi Gras. It is imperative that we keep our children safe every day and during this season, the krewes stand united in support of the safety of our youth,” said Elroy James, President Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. 

School leaders have created a Safety Tips flier for schools to distribute to students and families, along with a social media campaign for schools, community leaders and organizers, as well as anyone from the public to use to help elevate their safety call to action. We ask all parade goers to not parade alone, to not walk in between a marching band’s parade line, and to not be afraid to ask for help or alert police officers to any issues along the route.

“We stand in support and love for our student’s every day,” said Chris Herrero, Band Director for Karr High School. “We are hoping every member of our community will join us in promoting a safe, happy Mardi Gras. Our students deserve a wonderful, safe experience.”

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