It’s Always Time to Celebrate!
CMS Cultural Events bring Students and Families Together
during International Week. Teachers practice
a song or dance routine with their students in
preparation for the show.
“It is our mission to celebrate world cultures
and embrace diversity through two languages,”
says Marta Duran, magnet lead teacher for
Collinswood and part of the committee that
organizes International Week. “We take every
possible opportunity to celebrate the diversity
within our building.”
W
hether it’s sharing talents
or sampling treats, cultural
festivals and events held at
several CMS schools during the school
year allow students, parents, faculty and
staff to share their pride in their varied
cultural heritages. Here is a taste of the
offerings:
DIVERSITY COMES ALIVE
One evening each February, Matthews
Elementary School comes alive
with sounds, sights, smells, music,
entertainment and storytelling during
a huge cultural celebration. During
the “Matthews Multicultural Fair: A
Celebration of Diversity,” students,
parents and faculty rotate through the
gymnasium, cafeteria, craft room and
library to experience heritages and
cultures from families of the school’s
diverse student body.
“It turned out to be much more than I
thought it would be,” she says. “People
are proud to share their heritage.”
“The International Festival is one of our
largest-drawing cards for family and
community involvement,” notes Cogan.
LITTLE UNITED NATIONS
The student body at Endhaven
Elementary represents 42 countries
spanning six continents, says Robin
Cogan, the school’s music educator.
All of this culture and fun comes
together each fall during the
International Festival. There, students,
parents and staff enjoy artifacts,
food and art from all over the world.
CULTURE IS IN THE MISSION
Waddell Language Academy is a CMS
magnet school where students become
fluent and literate in Chinese, German,
French or Japanese. As part of the
kindergarten through eighth grade
curriculum, all students help plan and
participate in cultural festivals and
international events throughout the year.
“Flags of each country are displayed in
the hallway, giving the impression of a
little United Nations,” says Cogan.
Started in 2009, the PTA-sponsored
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