A view into the day-to-day lives of St. Charles Parish students will be on display Friday at the public school district’s Education Expedition tour event.
Billed as giving tour-goers the “opportunity to step inside the classroom and gain an understanding of what students experience daily,” the event will include five sites in all, beginning with the Satellite Center.
Alexis Cannon, special programs coordinator for St. Charles Parish Public Schools, said tour attendees can expect an engaging experience that gives firsthand insight into the daily experience of a district student.
“Guests will spend time at each site within the feeder system they’re visiting,” said Cannon. “This includes observing student performances, interacting with educators and administrators, and touring the facilities.”
The event is RSVP only and walk-ups will not be admitted in order to abide by safety protocols. There will be a second expedition set for later this year in the fall, however. The event is held twice a year.
This is the 20th year of the event, which was formerly known as the Patron Tour. It was originally inspired by Dr. Rodney Lafon, former schools superintendent who sought to showcase what happens in the parish’s schools on a daily basis.
Cannon said parents and attendees can expect to engage with district and school-level administrators from the sites included in the expedition.
The day kicks off at the Satellite Center with a breakfast presentation led by Superintendent Dr. Ken Oertling. Satellite Center’s Culinary and Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism (HRT) students and Destrehan High School’s Wildcat Kitchen students showcase their skills by preparing and serving breakfast.
Following the presentation, guests will travel by school bus and visit Destrehan High School, Albert Cammon Middle School, St. Rose Elementary School, Satellite Center, and have the option for a tour of the Lafon Arts Center after enjoying lunch provided by the students.
Different feeder systems are showcased each session. The last expedition, in November of last year, featured tours of Hahnville High School, J.B. Martin Middle School and Lakewood Elementary School.
