Carnival Magic at RCA

Recently, RCA's students were sent home with an invitation to attend a wonderful carnival at our school.  They were encouraged to come in costume, prepared to have loads of fun.  When students arrived at school, the entire building had been transformed into a carnival, but not just any carnival – the RCA staff traveled back in time and created a carnival scene from 1932.  The school day began with students assembled in the media center, where Mr. Townsel and Mrs. Lokey explained that they needed the students' help.   

They began by sharing with the students that they had great hopes of turning the carnival into a beautiful, fun and colorful place where the entire neighborhood would come and enjoy the fun and games.  But there was one problem:  when they started construction, strange "things" started to happen.  The carnival was last in operation back in 1932, when there was a terrible accident.  As a result, the carnival shut down and was frozen in time.  The carnival was full of spirits that thought they were still alive and who were trying to plan to open the carnival for one final night. Mr. Townsel and Mrs. Lokey explained that they had tried to ask them to leave, but they were insistent that they were still alive and had to prepare for one more festive performance.  They then explained to the students that if they could help them prepare to do one last carnival, perhaps it would be enough for the ghosts to finally leave so that they could renovate the old site and start anew.  

Clark and Bearden then explained that they would need each student to help.   
"We need you brave souls to enter the carnival and to help the old ghosts of performers plan to have one last performance.   Please do whatever they ask and work hard.  Then at the end of the day, hopefully they will be pleased with your efforts and they will go away and rest in peace forever." 

The students, understanding the challenge that faced them, entered the carnival and were taken to their normal classrooms – all of which were decorated as well.  And in each subject area they were instructed to help prepare for the events that night. 

Mr. Clark told all of his students that he needed to find the "Biggest Brain on Earth."  He designed his lessons and activities in order to identify that person so that he/she could be a sideshow in the carnival.  He quizzed students on election information and the presidential debate, but not Obama-McCain; since it was 1932, it was Hoover-Roosevelt instead.

The entire faculty taught as if it was 1932; in many ways it was a day-long history lesson.  By the end of the day, the entire school gathered and each teacher named the students whom they had selected to be in the final carnival of 1932.  Everyone rejoiced and celebrated once the ghosts were content with their new carnival staff; they agreed to leave the space so that the new 2008 carnival could be constructed.  It was a fun as well as educational day!

Immediately following the regular school day, RCAP hosted a fall festival fundraiser.  Students, their families, staff and community members gathered for an evening filled with food, fun and activities.  Thanks RCAP!