Students from
Chimney Lakes Elementary School recently packed their school passports and participated in the third annual International Culture Fair.
Chimney Lakes Elementary is an International Studies Magnet school nestled in the heart of Argyle. As part of the magnet program, each grade level at the school focuses on a continent of study throughout the year and the fair is a celebration of the students' year-long studies.
As students walked into school on Thursday, May 20, they were greeted by large replicas of landmarks made by teachers that represented the seven continents, as well as student artwork and crafts that had been done throughout the year.
The two-day celebration began with a cultural arts assembly consisting of dancers from Raices de Colombia, FSU FSA Indak Dance Troupe and the Spanish Association of North America, Inc. There were musical performances from the Carnival Organization of Jacksonville, Inc, as well as the Chimney Lakes Chorus Club. As a special treat, a theatrical performance of a Shakespearean play was put on by the fourth-grade students in Ms. Priscilla Hardage’s and Mrs. Sheryl Elliott’s class. On their way to lunch that day, the students were able to sample a few cultural foods such as lumpia and Thai noodles.
Friday kicked off with a “Parade around the World,” lead by bagpiper Bill Sloan in his Scottish kilt! The parade consisted of students, teachers and presenters dressed in authentic cultural attire from around the world. With passports in hand, Chimney Lakes students traveled around the school to different presentations that focused on their continent of study. Each class had the opportunity to visit and experience five, 40-minute presentations throughout the day.
Some travel itineraries for students on Friday included presentations from the The Sons of Norway, The Museum of Southern History, Australian musical instruments from Didgeridoo Down Under, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse House. Second graders traveled from Norway to learn about Vikings culture, and then on to Spain, Germany and France without ever leaving the school campus.
There were 133 presenters from throughout the community who came to share their culture and history. Chimney Lakes was excited to team up with the University of North Florida’s English Language Program for the third year. More than 70 of the students in the program came to the school and taught the children about their country, traditions and language.
“It is a win-win situation for both the students at Chimney Lakes Elementary and our students at UNF who are given this opportunity to share their culture, and experience American culture first hand in an American school,” stated Ruth Harrold, English language director at UNF.
As Friday’s events wrapped up, excited children’s voices were heard throughout the classrooms and hallways, sharing all they learned with their peers and waiting until next year when they will travel to another continent and explore other countries and cultures without ever leaving the comfort of their elementary school.
Article submitted by teachers Danielle Burgett and Meghan Schuh.
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