Celebration of Cultures

November 14, 2023
4:30-6:00pm - Countryside Gym and Cafeteria


What is Celebration of Cultures at Countryside? 

Celebration of Cultures is a night to honor and learn more about the diverse heritages that make up our community and our world!  During this open house style event, you can check out Countryside student country or cultures displays, learn different dances, hear songs from our Spanish Kindergarten and 1st grade classes and can check out other activities! 


How does my child or our family participate?
You can sign your child up to research and represent a country, heritage or culture. This presentation is similar to a science fair type display (tri-fold board or poster board) with information about the topic and whatever else your child finds interesting and informative.  The sign up form can be found here. 


Not ready to participate with a presentation?
No worries, come and check out all the student displays and check out the other activities the night of the event! This is a great way to get an idea of what this celebration is all about. This is a family friendly event, be sure to bring the whole family. 

 

Seeking volunteers! 
We need volunteers to make sure this event runs smoothly. To sign up, visit here. 


Questions? Please contact: pto.countryside@gmail.com 

 


What to expect the day of the event: 

During the school day, all of the classrooms will have an opportunity to walk through all the student presentations in the Media Center. After school, all of the presentations will be brought down to the gym and set up. The event is similar to an open-house style event with activities for all ages. Drop in when you can, we know families are busy on Tuesday evenings. 

  • 4:30-5:00 - Folk Dances from Around the World with Ms. Prowell and Mr. Peterson in the Music Room (stop in anytime!) 
  • 5:00 - Spanish Dual Language Classes will perform in the gym
  • 5:30-6:00 -Folk Dances from Around the World with Ms. Prowell and Mr. Peterson in the Music Room (stop in anytime!) 
  • Be sure to check out:
    • Henna artists 
    • International sweets bar
    • Design your own flag
    • A school wide art project 
    • And more!

 

Getting started on your presentation: 

Pick your own family heritage or another culture of interest.  Write down information or items you want to learn and share. Determine a title for your display. Make it fun!


Research your topic:

  • Interview people, look at books, magazines or websites

  • Keep notes of what you have learned

  • Idea generators: 

    • What holidays are celebrated?

    • Are the important landmarks, what and why?

    • Are there folktales?

    • Are there interesting facts?

    • Is there interesting musical instruments? (e.g., a didgeridoo)

    • Is there traditional dress (attire)?

    • What foods are unique or special?

    • For more information, check out 

Doing the project:

  •  Report what you have learned

  •  Use photos, drawings, and artifacts to document your work

  •  Organize your project so others can learn from it

 

Additional resources:

Not sure where to look for your information? Here are some options: 

 

Project display information:

Displays should fit a 3ft. x 3ft. space. Three-sided foam or cardboard display boards are self-supporting and can be purchased at a variety of stores. Please reach out to your teacher if you need assistance finding one.

Safety rules:

Celebration of Cultures is a night to honor and learn more about the diverse heritages that make up our community and our world! The PTO wants to ensure an educational, fun and comfortable event for all students and families and aligns with the Edina Public School district’s policy 506 regarding hurtful language (please see below). Project submissions may be reviewed by a team of staff prior to being displayed to ensure no hurtful language is present. 

 
 

Please do not include:

  • Open flames

  • Controlled substances

  • Latex materials (gloves or balloons)

  • Nuts

  • Candy or food

What is harmful language: Policy 506 #35 - Student misconduct based on race, religion, country of origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity that includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate and harmful comments, slurs, jokes, pictures, objects, threats, and/or intimidation.
 
 

 

 

 

Thank you for joining us last year!

In January 2023, we had over 100 participants showcase various countries and cultures from all over the world! Thank you students, parents, and caregivers for such a successful event.