Country booths, dance and musical performances, and food from around the world highlighted the event at the West Hartford elementary school.

Charter Oak International Academy Cultural Celebration. Photo credit: Greg Scranton

Submitted by Lisa Yasuhara Scranton

India, Senegal, Scotland, Israel, and Argentina were just a few stops on the Feb. 21 itinerary for students and their families at West Hartford’s Charter Oak International Academy.

With “passports” in hand, attendees visited each of the 10 country tables hosted by fellow classmates to learn all about their unique cultures. The gymnasium was transformed with colorful displays, children in beautiful traditional clothing, and impromptu dancing to music from around the globe playing in the background. Flocks of excited children found answers to fun trivia questions at each table to receive a stamp in their passports (For example, What is the name of the small tree frog only found in Puerto Rico? El Coqui!).

Charter Oak International Academy Cultural Celebration. Photo credit: Greg Scranton

Once all 10 countries were explored, kids received a fun keepsake from the event and were given the opportunity to proudly mark their own country of origin on a world map which will later be displayed at the school.

The fun continued as guests were invited to the auditorium where they were wowed by the performers of Capoeira Brasil Hartford. The Afro-Brazilian art form combining martial arts, dance, and music had students at the edge of their seats. The audience clapped along as they spoke of the history of the art form, played instruments, and moved gracefully in acrobatic spins and flips.

The international potluck that followed was one that would bring culinary delight to any adventurous eater. Students as young as Pre-K were encouraged to try foods such as Biryani Rice, Israeli chopped salad, Scottish Tablet, Tembleque, and Russian Potato Salad. Families, teachers, staff, and community members buzzed with delight as they enjoyed great food and each other’s company.

Charter Oak International Academy Cultural Celebration. Photo credit: Greg Scranton

After second helpings and clearing of plates, the crowd moved back into the auditorium. To further instill the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profiles, students were given the opportunity to take the stage as “cultural communicators” to entertain their peers with a performance from their cultural backgrounds. A group of first graders sang “Nam Nam,” a fun Spanish song about food with colorful props in hand followed by an Iranian nursery rhyme performed by 1^st and 4^th graders.

The day closed with students and their families dancing the Bachata of the Dominican Republic, the “Tanko Bushi” of Japan, and the upbeat traditional Italian Tarantella. Mayor Scott Slifka, also in attendance, made a short speech warmly commending the school, students, and community for their success in putting together such a wonderful event bringing so many cultures together.

As an IB Primary Years Program school, Charter Oak consistently embraces the richness of their diverse community, but presented a truly extraordinary day of cultural exploration & celebration through the hard work of the PTO, parent volunteers, and support from students, staff and Principal Mary Thompson. It was a winter global getaway right here in West Hartford, leaving passports stamped, stomachs full, and minds enriched with information about cultures from around the globe.