Principal Jenna Reeves was thrilled with how the event turned out, especially when it came to the wide variety of food. Families brought dishes representing cultures from around the world, including tamales from Mexico, pho from Vietnam, pierogies from Poland, and beignets from the Democratic Republic of Congo. A family from Israel invited children to roll and cook their own pita bread, which they could then pair with dips like hummus and tzatziki. "I was so full leaving that night," said Reeves. "The food was just amazing. Families went all out with their booths, many wearing traditional attire and decorating their spaces.”
Families tried food from many different cultures.
Students explored the event with special passports, collecting stamps at each booth they visited. At the end, students with 18 stamps were able to take home a prize.
Students collected stamps for their passports at each booth they visited.
The celebration also featured cultural displays, including posters created by students showcasing their heritage. Before the event, the school’s English language development teacher helped students interview each other about their cultural backgrounds. “All of our students got a packet to fill out about their own families,” Reeves explained. “One of our goals was to get them thinking about their heritage—where they come from and what makes them special.”
Students created posters about their heritage and displayed them at the event.
A Taekwondo demonstration was another highlight of the evening with several students getting to take part. Reeves is hoping to add traditional dancers to next years’ experience.
Several students participated in the Taekwondo demonstration.
In addition to food and fun, the night was a meaningful way to highlight Landmark Academy’s commitment to fostering Moral Focus virtues like gratitude, compassion, and respect. “Our diversity is our strength,” Reeves said. “This event helped us celebrate that and gave everyone a chance to learn from one another.”
Families visited different booths to learn about the different cultures at Landmark.
Great job to everyone at Landmark who helped create such a fun and memorable event!
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About Landmark Academy at Reunion
Landmark Academy at Reunion is a tuition-free, public charter school in Commerce City, Colorado, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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