On March 17, Ottoson Middle School students were able to appreciate and learn more about different cultures at the school’s first Heritage Day. The morning event, hosted by OMS international students, families, and staff featured nine stations where volunteers enthusiastically shared information about their countries of origin.
Each station reflected the individual personalities and cultures of the host(s). Visitors to the Tanzania station learned about the origins of coffee. At the Japan station students could have their names written in Japanese characters. The hosts at both the Uzbekistan and Brazil stations featured slideshows of mouth-watering food. The hosts of the India station offered the opportunity to dress in traditional clothing and make woodblock prints.The Heritage Day Committee members–Library Specialist Judy Uffer, English Language Learner teacher Jessica Pulzetti, and 7th Grade Vice Principal Michelle Crawford–placed questions at each station such as “How is school different in your heritage country as compared to the U.S?’ that could be used to get the conversations started. School Counselor Nanci Siegel welcomed the attendees and Technical Support Specialist Chris Fickett was on hand to provide technical assistance as required.
The event supplemented the immigration unit that English Language Learner students completed this winter and the Global Studies curriculum that focuses on world cultures. In addition to the five countries mentioned previously, the attendees were able to visit stations that represented France, Canada, Ethiopia, and Korea. The Committee was especially excited about the Ethiopian station, the only one manned solely by students. Ms. Pulzetti notes that the two hosts “...created an amazing display and shared about Ethiopian holidays and traditions.”
Ms. Pulzetti reports that the students were “...very engaged… “ as they circulated throughout the media center and “...clearly enjoyed this morning of sharing and learning.” The format kept the attendees moving around and interacting directly with local immigrant families, and both elements enhanced the learning experience.
Heritage Day was such a success that the organizers already have ideas for 2024. For example, they would like to have more interactive activities like the block painting at this year’s India station Other ideas include having more games like Pétanque that was featured at this year’s French station, and it would be great to add dancing to the mix.