Kruse Celebrates Diversity of School and Community Culture

On April 23, Kruse Education Center opened its first annual Unified and Unique Week to celebrate the diversity of the local community shaping the school’s culture. The week’s events included Community Readers Day, a visit from the House of Music, and the Unified and Unique Evening Celebration.

To kick-off the week’s activities, Kruse invited members of the community into the classroom to read a multicultural book to students. Not only were participants and students able to share in the literature, but they also had the opportunity to interact with one another, ask each other questions, and learn about their cultures.

“It was a great event and I was glad to see so many community members come out to support the importance of reading,” said Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, one of the 20 visiting readers. Pekau read to one of the second grade classes.

Other community, business, and nonprofit leaders included representatives from Arab American Family Services and Gizmos Fun Factory who read to fourth grade students, and Roy Quesada from the U.S. Army Reserve and Irene Tulopona from Dave and Busters who spoke to fifth-grade classes. Members of the Kruse PTA even volunteered to share.

On Tuesday, students learned about instruments and music from around the world. Anthony Tabor, owner of House of Music in Orland Hills, was present during the students’ Physical Education and Music class rotations to introduce various music styles and give students the chance to try playing new instruments.

“House of Music is very excited to be a part of Unified and Unique Week at Kruse. I believe it is important to support authentic learning experiences through the sharing of diverse musical styles,” said Tabor.

The culminating event was held on Thursday evening when families were invited to view clothing, artifacts, and student-made artwork in a museum-style walkthrough of the Kruse halls. Items in the “museum” were contributed by Kruse families, teachers and staff members and represented the many different cultures that enhance the learning environment.

Families progressed through the halls to the gym, where Kruse students and community groups were set to perform cultural dances and songs. Members from Paradosis Hellenic Dance Group performed traditional Greek dances, and Blackbird Academy of Irish Dance students entertained with Irish dances. Students from Central Middle School also visited to share an Arabic Dabkeh dance.

Students from the Kruse Unity Dance Group wowed the audience. Various groups of students demonstrated their take on Mexican, Filipino, Arabic, Irish, and Indian dances. Other groups performed dances influenced by Korean pop (K Pop), hip-hop, and country western music.

At the beginning of the evening, upon entering Kruse, families were asked to place their thumbprint on a large painting of the Kruse logo to commemorate the event. This will remind students and staff that even though the Unified and Unique Week has concluded, their similarities and differences will always be celebrated as a vital part of Kruse’s learning environment.

“I am deeply impressed by the community’s caring response to support Unified and Unique Week,” said Angelika Kavroulakis, a Math Specialist at Kruse and coordinator of the events. “I’m equally impressed by our students’ efforts to share and learn from each other about many different perspectives in order to create a successful performance.”

Community Consolidated School District 146 is comprised of Central Middle School, Fierke Education Center, Fulton School, Kruse Education Center, and Memorial School. Students from Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Oak Forest attend District 146 schools.