BASIS Independent McLean Celebrates International Day

BASIS Independent McLean’s (BIM) Parent Community Association (PCA) hosted its 2nd Annual International Day to celebrate cultures around the world and in the school community. The PCA transformed BASIS Independent McLean’s cafeteria, the Great Hall, into five continents: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. The event brought together students, parents and faculty to celebrate the school’s diverse community. For more information about BASIS Independent McLean, go to http://mclean.basisindependent.com/.

“This is a great first community event of the new year because it brings families from all grades together in celebration of the diversity of our families and different cultural traditions,” said Ron Kim, head of school of BASIS Independent McLean of McLean, Va.

International Day began with a parade of 22 international flags carried by students and families from all divisions. Students, parents and faculty traveled the world by visiting tables that families prepared. Eleven different countries were represented through traditional food, dress, artifacts and presentations about the country. Countries represented included: Australia, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Poland, Russia and Ukraine.

In addition, preschool through 4th grade students collected passport stamps after visiting and learning about each country. Students who collected all 11 stamps received a prize, while Upper School students volunteered throughout the event. Students and families also showcased cultural performances including traditional dress, dramatic reading, singing and dancing.

International Day was developed as a way for the school community to come together and celebrate world cultures, according to the PCA executive board. In some cases, the cultures represent BASIS Independent McLean families' countries of origin, and in other cases, the cultures are one’s students and families have learned about.