Coolidge Elementary greeted students, staff and families with bright signs of welcome in various languages, posters and artwork highlighting various cultures, and music from all over the world during the school’s annual International/Indigenous Week.
Held March 11-15, the week celebrated diversity and inclusivity through lunchtime art activities, in-class presentations and a cultural dress parade.
“This week was all about having pride in who you are, as well as appreciating differences in all classmates and friends in a respectful, appropriate way,” said Coolidge PTA member Kelly Ocampo. “This is Coolidge’s third year celebrating International/Indigenous week, and we’ve gotten such good feedback from parents and students who have enjoyed expanding their knowledge about the world.”
Students enjoyed international music at all meal times, explored more than 100 books on cultural diversity in the library, and practiced the Indian art form Rangoli in celebration of Holi, the festival of colors. Parents, community members and native experts also read books or spoke to classrooms about their own cultures.
Lebanese, Filipino, Ghanaian, Gujarati, Burmese, Tongva, Sicangu Lakota, Dutch, Chinese, Mayan, Jewish, and Irish cultures were among the many highlighted by students, parents and staff during the week’s festivities.