Citizens and delegates have taken an oath, the constitution has been signed and Crawfish Bayou, the fully functional, student-run town within The Dufrocq School, is up and running as of October 1.  The MicroSociety held its Constitutional Convention with the election and a swearing-in ceremony for delegates, a pledge of allegiance to the Crawfish Bayou flag and students taking an oath of citizenship.
 
Family Court Judge Lisa Woodruff-White swore in the delegates, who represent various communities within Crawfish Bayou, such as Magnolia Meadows in the school’s second floor and Alligator Alley downstairs.  Now students take the duties of bankers, shop owners, government officials and more using Crawfish Cash as currency.  The government has three branches, just like the United States’ government.
 
Every student, such as (first photo, left to right) fifth grader Melanie Felder, fourth grader Kentrell Williams and fifth grader Quincy Fillmore (all Cajun Corner delegates), and staff took the oath of citizenship administered by East Baton Rouge City/Parish President “Kip” Holden (in the background at the podium).  After the Constitutional Convention, VIPs, staff and students alike held a celebration with refreshments.  They included (second photo, left to right):  Dufrocq Principal Mary Robvais, Cajun Corner delegate Princeton Pines, Holden, Cajun Corner delegate Melanie Felder, Woodruff-White and Angela Lee, director of Elementary Schools in Area I.
 
Now the students will build a marketplace, establish businesses, vote, serve on juries, shop, pay taxes and settle disputes in court, which will provide a context for real world curriculum connections throughout the day. Teachers serve as facilitators in making sure that student activity is directly connected to state academic requirements and that learning meets the high academic standards of The Dufrocq School. Parents and community members will be encouraged to participate in The Dufrocq School MicroSociety as mentors and facilitators by sharing their knowledge and expertise of real government, business and community life. For more information, contact Nellwyn V. East, Curriculum Integration specialist, at (225) 334-7653.