Around the World in One Day

Cherokee Elementary School brought its Celebration of Cultures into the school day for the first time, ensuring every student had the opportunity to participate in honoring the diverse backgrounds represented in the school community.

Cherokee students and their families represent 62 different countries, including the United States. 

A School Day Turned Global

In previous years, the celebration was held during the evening. While the event has always been meaningful, school leaders recognized that not all families were able to attend. This year, Principal Valerie Montgomery and her team made the intentional decision to move the event into the school day so all students could participate and experience the celebration together.

“Our goal was to make sure every child had access to this experience,” said Montgomery. “By bringing it into the school day, we were able to celebrate the cultures that make up our Cherokee community in a way that included everyone.”

Experiencing Culture through Food, Movement and Learning

Throughout the day, students participated in activities designed to highlight global traditions through movement, art, food and learning. At lunch, Child Nutrition served tikki marsala, a menu item typically offered only at secondary schools. Students were also encouraged to wear clothes that represented their cultures. 

“I like how we can wear our own cultural clothes,” said Shikshya, a fifth grader whose family is  from Nepal.

One of the favorite experiences for students was a special program presented by the Cultural Centre of India. Each grade level rotated through the presentation and learned a traditional Indian dance. The performance had students on their feet, moving and cheering together.

Hallways Tell the Story

Students also traveled around the building to view decorated classroom doors, each representing countries connected to Cherokee students and families. The activity was suggested by English language teacher Leslie King. 

“Students have been so eager to research their country, and also read about the country,” said fourth-grade teacher Eden Pruett. “I (had) students who made connections with a country in Africa and they shared their experiences (when they tried) out the foods pictured on our door. This connection would not have happened without this project.” 

Third graders Zacki and Georgia enjoyed exploring the displays with their class. “I liked walking around the building,” said Georgia. “We’ve been seeing a bunch of different cultures and I think it’s cool to see it.”

While Zacki’s favorite activity was learning the Indian dance, he also enjoyed learning about other cultures through the  door displays, especially learning about how currency differs around the world.

Georgia’s favorite facts learned were about animals, including a lizard found in Nepal. “It looked really cool.”

Jeff Redwine’s fifth graders added music to the experience by creating a British Invasion display in an upstairs hallway. A speaker played songs from bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks while students learned about the impact British music had on American culture.

Back in their classrooms, students created authentic art pieces inspired by cultures around the world. Fourth-grader Alivya was excited to make lanterns as part of the celebration.

Celebrating What Makes Cherokee Strong

“It’s amazing,” said Alivya. When asked why she was excited for the day, she noted, “We get to  learn about other cultures. I like learning new things.”

By bringing the Celebration of Cultures into the school day, Cherokee Elementary created shared experiences that helped students learn from one another, build curiosity about the world and celebrate the diversity that makes their school community strong.