Every family is shaped by their own traditions, ethnicity and heritage. The first Exploring Your Culture Day at the Middle School encouraged Churchville-Chili students in grades 5-8 to talk with family members, learn about their unique backgrounds and proudly share their stories with others.
The results were spectacular. In just one sixth grade classroom, students discovered deep family roots from places as far-ranging as Macedonia, Turkey, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Korea, England, France and Jamaica. One student shared her family’s antique Native American horn rattle and hand-beaded baby moccasins. Another student displayed a vintage book printed in German featuring photos from Passau, the town her ancestors came from.
Students presented their family stories to classmates, discussed why understanding their culture and that of their classmates is important in fostering positive relationships and shared ideas for continued recognition of other cultures.
The experience was designed by the Middle School’s Equity Team – more than 20 faculty members – to help promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the year.