Introduction
The school system, in “The Most Cajun Place on Earth,” has taken a step to keep the French language alive. In 2019, Vermilion Parish became home to French Immersion Education!
Soon after the Vermilion Parish School Board approved the motion in April of 2018, the curriculum department began the task of determining which school would become “L’école d’immersion française.” After multiple meetings and numerous conversations, it was decided that the school best suited for French Immersion was LeBlanc Elementary. The community has embraced French Immersion and LeBlanc Elementary principal, DeEtte Bigot states, “As principal of LeBlanc Elementary, I have witnessed students immersed in the French language in a natural environment where they flourish. To see the progression of students in all grade levels from the beginning of the year to the end is amazing. French Immersion for our students is not just the ability to speak in French, but the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture that we are so lucky to be a part of. The French Immersion program at LeBlanc Elementary is a journey that nurtures personal growth and a love for learning and I am honored to be a part of this amazing journey.”
French Immersion Education began with one kindergarten section at LeBlanc Elementary, during the 2019-2020 school year. Each year, a grade level has been added. In eight years, each grade level at LeBlanc Elementary has added one section French Immersion Education. French Immersion now continues on through the middle school grades at Erath Middle School.
According to CODOFIL, Vermilion Parish was the 17th parish in the state to offer French Immersion and the LeBlanc Elementary Immersion students are among more than 5,000 Immersion students in more than 30 schools statewide. Both CODOFIL and the Louisiana Department of Education provide resources, professional development, and assistance with finding teachers who meet the qualifications to teach in French Immersion Education.
Vermilion Parish School System Mission Statement
The mission of the Vermilion Parish School System is to work together to provide learning opportunities for all children, which will enable them to function competently as effective, productive, responsible, and thinking citizens who will make needed contributions for life-long excellence in a rapidly changing world.
LeBlanc Elementary School Mission Statement
LeBlanc Elementary is committed to challenging ALL students, everyday, to achieve high standards and become global leaders.