Colt Andrews Students Take World Tour Without Leaving Town

Colt Andrews elementary school students were recently shown a glimpse of the world beyond Bristol and Warren, thanks to international students from Roger Williams University.

On Wednesday, April 6, students from grades 3 and 4 had the opportunity to attend Global Fest at the RWU campus. The university provided transportation, and each child was given a passport, to be stamped at each of the nearly 40 exhibits. International food was offered at many of the “countries” and the students were entertained by Asian music and dance performances on the center stage.

On Friday, April 8, about 30 of the University’s international students brought the state reading week theme “Read Around the World” to life on the Colt Andrews campus. Students from countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Taiwan, Columbia, Peru, and the Ukraine visited each classroom to share information about their homelands and customs, clothes and currency.

According to principal Tracey McGee, to see so many Roger Williams University international students come into Colt Andrews, some dressed in their traditional clothing, some carrying flags, was very exciting. She recounted her favorite story of the day, about one Colt Andrews student whose family is from China.

“He just lit up when a Chinese international student walked into his classroom,” said McGee. “He was able to talk with her in his native language, sing Chinese children’s songs and share some of the snacks that were brought in. He was so proud of his Chinese heritage and to see his peers’ amazement at the presentation about his homeland.”

The two events were organized by Principal Tracey McGee, along with Sheila Dobbyn, Morgan Foster, Kara Moniz and Elsa Richter, all of Roger Williams University.

“This was a fabulous experience for the children to take part in,” said McGee. “ Thank you Roger Williams University!”