What an incredible week it was at Gillispie! Around the World Week was an exciting and enriching community celebration, where students immersed themselves in over 100 cultural and traditional experiences, hosted by our incredible families and staff. Each day offered something new and meaningful, from savoring authentic flavors to engaging in crafts, songs, stories, and games.
The energy to jump into new experiences was infectious. Each day began with a school-wide morning meeting featuring community presentations. Students were captivated by this dynamic lineup that included Japanese Taiko drumming, Irish dancing, an interactive karate demonstration, and a lesson on world languages from Gillispie families. We were even treated to a special performance by our very own Ms. Denia, who shared Traditional Mexican Folklore dance, and Ms. Ledesma, who sang beautiful traditional Mexican songs.
Students tasted foods from cultures around the globe, like Colombian, English, German, Irish, Mexican, Persian, Russian, among others. These weren’t just samples; they were opportunities to learn about the unique customs and ingredients behind each dish. They joined in traditional storytime and sing-alongs.
Hands-on projects brought cultural traditions to life. Students channeled their creativity into crafting Cuban dolls, making homemade kites, and creating colorful piñatas. They also competed in traditional games such as German spoon and egg race.
More than just a series of activities, Around the World Week was a meaningful celebration of the beautiful lives within our community. This year, we recognized the profound impact of sharing our cultures and family practices in fostering empathy, sparking curiosity, and strengthening our connections. These enriching experiences encouraged us all to reflect on our own traditions while joyfully embracing new ones.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the families who generously shared a piece of their world with us, and to the staff who brought their traditions to life in such engaging ways. This week reminded us that when we open our minds and hearts to the world, we discover just how beautifully interconnected we all are.