Deer Park High Schoolers Share Heritage At Passport To Culture

from the Deer Park school district

During Superintendent’s Conference Day on Nov. 8, Deer Park High School held its second annual Passport to Culture, a student-run event celebrating the traditions of the many different countries that reflect the students’ global cultural backgrounds.

District administrators, teachers and staff were invited to visit different rooms at the high school to learn about some of these various cultural elements, including cuisines, music, dances, activities and products, to gain greater understanding of the rich diversity present in the student body. Students shared facts about their native countries as well as their personal experiences and immigration stories, providing the educators with important insights and tools to enhance compassion and find creative future opportunities for the students to share their experiences in the classroom.

“I learned a lot from this experience and I was proud to share my culture with teachers and other faculty,” student Devin Cherry said.

“I really loved presenting and teaching about my culture to the teachers,” student Naga Lakshmi Meghana Akula said. “They were all supportive. I understood how hard it was standing all day and teaching. I enjoyed it very much and I think everyone who came to the school on that day also enjoyed and learned a lot about the various cultures.”

“This was a special day of acknowledgement,” Deer Park Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “Our students were so excited to share with our staff about themselves and their family heritage. In my opinion, there is no greater gift than to give value and importance to a person. By embracing our cultural differences, we choose to unite this community. Sharing life together without judgement makes us stronger. I am honored and proud to be part of this amazing school community.”

“The Passport to Culture extravaganza was the most meaningful professional learning experience I’ve participated in since I started working in Deer Park,” Executive Director of Elementary Education Danielle Sheridan said. “It had a profound impact on me, as well as all of the staff members who I’ve spoken to about it.”

“Watching the students read stories and share cultural information made for one of the best days ever,” John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Associate Principal Jenny Dixon said. “It was heartfelt, rewarding and educational. The teachers I spoke with all had such positive things to say and enjoyed it so much.”

“The students were so proud to be sharing their culture and heritage with us, even on their day off from school,” guidance counselor Rachel Glaubach said. “Seeing students who have struggled because of their differences have the opportunity to shine in their element was inspiring. It proves that giving students the chance to be themselves can truly make a world of difference. It was also so much fun.”

“This was a meaningful way to utilize Superintendent’s Conference Day and helped to build perspective, understanding and empathy for our students from different countries and backgrounds,” special education teacher Tim Grant said.

“It was amazing to see the students in a different environment from what we are used to,” special education teacher Karen Haar said. “I loved that they were up in the front of the room and teaching me something, and that I got to learn from them, and on top of that, I was learning something about their individuality, background and life experiences.”

“The students did an amazing job,” science teacher Melissa Green said. “It was so interesting and eye-opening to hear about their own personal experiences in their country and their journey here.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of our students for sharing their stories and pride in their country,” ENL teacher Kristen McHugh said.

“I absolutely loved the experience,” health teacher Jen Michaels said. “I wish I was able to see more cultures.”

“The students were so grateful to be able to share their stories,” ENL teacher Amy Pellegrino said. “It was truly an enlightening experience.”

“Passport to Culture was one of the best professional development experiences that I have ever been part of,” FACS teacher Lauren Madden said. “The kids did wonderfully.”

“This was the best Superintendent’s Conference Day I have attended in all of my 18 years,” guidance counselor Kate Alvich said. “The students were incredible, and it was so meaningful and moving to hear about their backgrounds and experiences and feel their pride in their countries or cultures.”