If you were asked to choose one outstanding characteristic of the Tucson International Academy School, what would you choose? The answer may be in their name – Tucson International Academy. Right in their mission statement TIA addresses preparing students for a global society through the introduction, exploration, appreciation and respect of other cultures. Learning about other cultures of the world is one of the foundational cornerstones that TIA is built upon. So it makes perfect sense that they would plan a Cultural Day as one of their district-wide celebrations.
TIA Celebrates Ethnic Cultures of the World Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving
Always celebrated the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, Cultural Day has become an annual celebration. But it had much smaller and more humble beginnings. About ten years ago one classroom at Midvale had Cultural Day. It was such a success that soon the whole school participated. But like most good things, it grew to eventually include the entire school. Now all four TIA campuses, students K through 12, join in this fun and educational event.
Preparations for Cultural Day
Preparations for Cultural Day begin long before the actual day. Each student chooses a culture to focus on. Often students choose the culture most associated with their own nationality or family heritage, but they can also explore different cultures. The students then research that culture and learn as much as they can, finding fascinating and unique aspects of each culture. The unit comes to a celebratory finale the Wednesday before Thanksgiving with each student bringing a dish of food from their culture to share with everyone.
Smorgasbord of Flavors and Experience
Taking a taste of each dish offered is literally a smorgasbord of flavors and experience. The students share the dishes they prepared with great pride. It is a beautiful representation of the nations of the world coming together in appreciation, celebration, and thanksgiving for what each culture has to offer. It is events like Cultural Day at TIA that makes this school so special. TIA-sponsored events like this one are are not only educational and fun, but also foster a sense of appreciation and respect for the different cultures and traditions of the world.
Tucson International Academy – Bringing the world to your child and your child to the world.
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