Nkms students explore cultures from around the world

The event was an interactive learning experience with booths representing countries and cultures from around the world. Students explored informational displays, sampled food and beverages, and viewed traditional attire.

Students rotated through two main experiences. In the cafeteria, they visited cultural stations featuring food tastings and displays. In the gym, they attended live dance demonstrations, including performances by Alma de Mexico, a Mexican folkloric dance group; and Afriky Lolo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing and celebrating West African dance.

For sixth-grade student Meher, the event was a meaningful opportunity to share her Indian heritage. “We are a very colorful and bright people. We also like to have festivals and eat food,” she said, adding that her favorite dish is kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream.

The experience also introduced students to new foods and flavors. Avery, who typically prefers French fries, discovered a new favorite at the Palestinian table. “It is sooooo good!” she said after trying pita bread.

The Afriky Lolo performance featured master dancer and artistic director Diadie Bathily, whose work highlights the rich traditions of West African dance and culture.

The event was organized by Kelly Anzalone, sixth-grade social studies teacher, and Logan Bosquet, NKMS French teacher, as part of a cross-curricular effort to connect cultural learning with classroom instruction.

“Our goal was to showcase cultures and expose students to things they may have never seen before,” said Anzalone.

Bosquet added that the goal was to help students recognize their place in a global community. “We want students to realize they are citizens of the world and to promote cultural awareness,” he said.

Cultural exploration is embedded in the sixth-grade curriculum at NKMS, where students study geography in social studies and participate in world language courses, including French, Spanish, and German.