Cole Students Go Global

Passport needed to gain entrance at Cole Middle School? That was the case one night last month, when students held a United Nations Night to benefit Unicef.

Passing through the glass doors of the middle school, you could easily understand why. On your left, France was passing out croissants while wearing berets, while on your right India was offering henna and japatis. Cole Middle School had truly gone global.

At the beginning of the school year, the Unified Arts teachers sought to plan a large event for their students. United Nations Day was the perfect outlet for that goal. When Cole librarian Phyllis Humphrey told the teachers October 24 was United Nations Day, it seemed that they had found their event – and a chance to incorporate World Language, Family and Consumer Science, and Art classes. United Nations Night was born.  

With more than 20 "countries" represented, from Guatemala to India, the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia, Cole Middle School was extremely lively that night.

In addition to the cultural projects on display, the art students created internationally-influenced pieces to the evening.

Dinner was a huge success. And while guests munched on Greek salad, Spanish paella, and some good old U.S.A. chocolate chip cookies – all made by Family and Consumer Science classes – the students performed different songs.

The best part? All of the evening's proceeds were donated directly to Unicef.