Today Shepard High School celebrated the start of Mardi Gras in a new and wonderful way with their TOWER and EMPOWER classes.
Like POWER PE, these classes partner regular education mentors with special education peers.
The start of Mardi Gras featured a parade during third period featuring both classes.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"TOWER students have been busy learning about float design and Mardi Gras symbols and have each created miniature floats that are a reflection of the interests of our “Buddy” students," said art teacher Jennifer Glaz.
Mentor students were in charge of helping their buddy to select a theme and create the floats starting with shoeboxes donated from many Shepard teachers.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
EMPOWER is a team taught class centered on life skills and culinary arts.
“Our mentors create lesson plans and deliver instruction with all different types of recipes. It’s the first year we have this class but it is going so well so far. Everyone loves it,” teacher Kris LaRocco said.
Today, they baked Mardi Gras-themed cupcakes for the parade.
