ViewFinder: The Small World of the Small World

The students, faculty and families of Mahala F. Atchison School (MFA) celebrated their annual MultiCultural Day on Friday, May 27.

The celebration included food buffets from around the world in multiple classrooms. The children gathered in designated rooms and sampled the unique foods prepared by family members of students and students themselves.  Many children explained that they assisted in the preparation.  Students sat at their desks with full plates, eyes wide as they looked upon the choices.  "My favorite thing on this plate is pizza," third grader Lev said.

As children rotated to different classrooms they were exposed to the arts and cultures of different countries.  Many parents who came to assist in the serving of food, wore traditional dress of their home countries.

This year MFA welcomed an African dance and drum troupe to perform for and with the students.  Students delighted to the power of the beats and enjoyed the humor the performers worked into a program that provided information about the language, the music, the drums and the traditions of native Africa.

To complete the day of celebration, students participated in the Parade of Nations, marching in the traditional dress and costumery of their family's home country.   Music from around the world sounded through out the halls as those children who choose to dress and march bounced passed their fellow students, who clapped rhythmically and cheered for them and the countries they represented.