One of our School Improvement Plan activities for May 4th is less academic than focusing on reading or math. I feel this area is just as important as reading and math, but it is not tested by the state. I think we will be tested on this when our students become adults and must work in a global economy of many different cultures. The world is much different today than when I was a child and schools need to change over time to reflect these paradigm shifts. I expect our world will continue to change and become more globally integrated. While I appreciate that many families are able to travel and experience many parts of this country and this world, the school is a place where we can give students the experience of many cultures without leaving home.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am working on planning events for the 2007-2008 school year. I also previously mentioned an evening Halloween event that can be bigger than what can be done during a school day and allow more parents to participate is being developed with the help of PTA. As details of this plan become more solidly set, I will share them via this blog.
One of the new ideas I have begun recently sharing with staff and parents relates to a winter event. I don't have a title or a date planned, but here is the concept as I have currently conceived it. I'd like to create a cultural fair of sorts. On whichever date we select, I'd like to see multiple locations set up throughout the building. We'd have various fall, winter and/or early spring holidays represented in this event. It is my hope that we could have information on the holiday, representative clothing and music to share with students, possible food items from each culture and a craft/game from each tradition. I think this event will only reach the heights of success I seek if we can involve significant elements of our school community, including parents and staff, in the planning and execution of this idea. As this vague explanation shows, I need many voices to chime in and help me plan this event. PTA has been involved and continues to help me move forward with this plan. As summer approaches and I continue developing this and other ideas, I truly need feedback on ideas. I hope you will post comments offering suggestions and cautions as this moves forward. I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions as these plans move forward.
Thank you - We're so glad this cultural event is being considered. Seeing the date and timing of this entry into your log, I assume it was in response to our Letter to the Editor in the Sun. When parents input is taken into consideration - it really does benefit all. Maybe someday you can ask for parental assistance in bringing back the yearly variety show that has helped to inspire so many children.
Posted by: Danita and Kevin Bergrud | May 06, 2007 at 09:43 PM
I appreciate the feedback and will hopefully have many parents help as this plan unfolds through the summer and fall. In regards to the variety show, it will be returning for the 2007-2008 school year, but it may be on a biennial rotation rather than an annual one.
Posted by: Jason Bednar | May 07, 2007 at 08:51 AM