FirstLine & ESY NOLA in the News

Here are a couple recent articles focused on a new food tasting in the Langston Hughes Cafeteria, and an article on ESY NOLA:

Students give thumbs up for local products in school taste test

NEW ORLEANS, La. – About 40 students gathered in the lunch room at Langston Hughes Academy charter school recently (Nov. 8) to sample and rate potential menu items made from local products.  (Click the link above to read the rest of the article.)

Changing the way kids “eat, learn, and live” at the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans

(InthekNOwla) -- NEW ORLEANS | If you went to school in Orleans parish, then we’re sure you remember lunchtime. The rectangle-shaped sausage pizza, hamburgers and “Cajun” fries, mashed potatoes and perfectly square chicken nuggets, yellow rice and baked chicken, and something that kind of resembles the McRib from McDonald's. Mix in the regulatory fruit cocktail, spinach (if the grass had recently been cut), bread, and white milk (though it was like finding a $20 bill when a rare chocolate milk was spotted).   (Click the link above to read the rest of the article.)

Clark Prep Homecoming!

Because Clark Prep is FirstLine's first high school, this year was FirstLine's first homecoming!  Thanks to all the support we received from the Clark alumni who know how it's done, the week was a success!

Crimson and Gray Ball

Clark Prep Teacher Flash Mob!

The week started with Spirit Week at Clark, with dress up days including Nerd Day and Clark Pride day. On Thursday, the girls' volleyball team faced off against the faculty, and on Friday Coach Hess hosted the Clark Pride Pep Rally, featuring the presentation of the marching band, the football team, and a flash mob of teachers dancing!

Pep Rally

Nerd Day!

Saturday was clear skies and crisp, cool weather, with the Bulldogs facing off against Riverside Academy.  Though the Bulldogs weren't victorious, the day was filled with spirit and cheer as alumni, family and friends cheered the Bulldogs through their game.  In addition, many alumni took the opportunity to donate uniforms to help our scholars meet high expectations for professional dress.

Saturday night was the Clark Prep Crimson and Gray Ball, with the gym transformed into a sparkling dance floor.  The homecoming court was sparkling, and students had a wonderful time!

Thanks to all the FirstLine Staff, Clark Staff, students, friends, family and alumni for making this year's homecoming a smashing success!

Food and Fun Events at Firstline Schools

2010 Iron Chef Winners!

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us and I bet you’re wondering why! We have been busy preparing for some great events coming up in November!

On Thursday, November 10^th, ESY NOLA and Culinary Corps have a  day-long food and fun extravaganza planned! It will kick off with Green Charter’s 6th Annual Iron Chef Competition! This competition will feature 60 of our 7^th graders along with local New Orleans chefs and chefs from all over the U.S.

Also on November 10^th is our FIRST Family Food Night at John Dibert! The Curious Case of the Missing Food Pyramid  is the theme for the night and will feature interactive cooking stations, recipe samples and games to introduce everyone to the new MyPlate icon.

The week of Nov. 7^th  will be even more exciting because we will have our second set of Tulane University Dietetic Interns. They will be collecting data about our salad bars and also doing some plate waste studies at each of the Firstline School locations.  Also, make sure you stop by for Green Charter’s second Open Garden Day of the year on Saturday, Nov. 12^th!

Coming up is our first Family Food Night for this school year at Green Charter and will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 15^th with a focus on healthy holiday recipes! Check back to see the results of our Iron Chef Competition and all of our other great events!