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“Russell World Showcase Night” Highlights The School’s Diversity
Russell Elementary’s diversity was on display during their “Russell World Showcase Night” as 20 different countries and cultures were highlighted with music, activities, and food samplings from around the world.
The school considers itself a melting pot with the following countries all being represented in the student body and staff: United States of America, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, Guatemala, Israel, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Russia, Senegal, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zaire.
Inside the school building, flags from all 20 countries hang from the ceiling as a way to honor the assortment of nations represented at Russell. Each classroom began the month of October by studying a country of their choice and learning the different cultures and traditions.
All of this culminated into a night of celebration, which began with a “Parade of Nations” where a student-created banner was trotted out along with other items from these countries. After that, each country had exhibits setup with activities, music, food, and many other cultural norms to spotlight the traditions that take place in those communities.
The students received a passport as they toured the showcase, getting a stamp on the document from each country they visited. For students and staff alike, it was a night filled with interesting foods, crafts, and enlightening information!