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Just picture it – you’re standing in Nepal, learning about its complete control of the mountain scene.
Your passport is stamped and it’s off to the Congo, where 242 languages are spoken. Then a stop in Pakistan reveals its national flag, a dark green background paired with a white crescent moon and five-rayed star at its center.
By the end of the evening, you’ll have stamps on your Rundlett Middle School issued passport from Malaysia, Iraq and Burundi as well. That’s right, it will take just one night to make your way to six countries and learn about all the unique customs in RMS’s Around the World event. Who needs frequent flyer miles and vacation time anyway?
All you need to be is part of the Rundlett Middle School community to take part in this worldly knowledge throwdown set for May 9. From 3:45 to 7 p.m., the school will be overtaken with music, original dress and interesting facts about the above referenced countries. The event is open to Rundlett students, their siblings and families. The best part is that there’s free food – and of course the learning.
“Some of them are going to have food, some are going to display clothing and all will discuss where the countries are located and what languages are spoken there,” said Jocelyn Eno, a liason between refugee students and Concord schools for Lutheran Social Services. “It puts them in the expert role.”
It’s a way to showcase some of the vast persity of students that attend Rundlett. Students from the six countries will run booths and allow them to be the teacher, while promoting their native lands. We tried to add an Insider booth to the mix, but apparently we haven’t achieved nation status yet. The paperwork must have gotten lost in the mail.
“It’s really student driven. I just supply them the place and the supplies,” said Eno. “It will be interesting to see what they come up with.”
This will be the second go-round with an event like this after Rundlett hosted a multicultural fair last year. The format is different this time, including the addition of the booths, which will be set up inside. There’s also plenty to do outside, like have your face painted, or get a henna tattoo (which is only temporary, of course.) Food has been donated by restaurants all over the area and there will even be a DJ, a photo booth and a couple of soccer games.
“We’re a landscape of different cultures in this city,” said Howie Leung, an advisor for the Rundlett Student Ambassadors and special education teacher. “And last year was so successful that we wanted to use it as a vehicle to promote our school.”
And did we mention that most of – if not all – the behind the scenes work is being done by the students. More than 100 students, including the Rundlett Student Ambassadors, are involved in the organizing and planning for Around the World, and will even act as your tour guides through the various countries. Who would have thought you could make your way around the world in one evening? The students at Rundlett is who.
“It’s important to let the students do it and have it come from the students,” said Sue Farrelly, program director for 21st Century Community Learning Centers at Rundlett and Concord High School. “It’s a nice time for the kids to show off.”
Those in the Rundlett community who fill out their passport with stamps from all six countries will earn a ticket for door prizes to be announced that night.
“Each stamp is something significant for that country,” said Eno.
And as a parting gift, each family will receive a Title 1 book and bag giveaway, meaning even more free stuff. This just keeps getting better.
Last year, there were about 300 people in attendance. The goal is for much more this time around, especially when it comes to learning.
“Bigger and better this year,” said Farrelly.
