News Release
April 21, 2006
Ellis Elementary School's "International Days" Event Is May 2, 3
The Ellis Elementary School community will host a two-day international extravaganza on Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 3 at the school.
"Join us as we tour the world in an afternoon," said Jennifer Bailey, international day's coordinator. "Our children, teachers and community members have been busy decorating the school inside and out for these special days. Students at each grade level have been learning about countries from different continents. The office staff has made passports for every student at Ellis."
On May 2, children will break from their usual routine and, with passports in hand, travel the world to learn about different cultures and customs. Each class will visit other classrooms in which the students have studied a different country. While there, they will learn about the country through songs, music, crafts and other activities. Each classroom will also host two different classes and get a turn at teaching their peers. With each visit, students will get their passports stamped.
According to Ellis principal Khoa Nguyen, "Ellis children and their families come from all over the world, helping to create a global learning community here. This multi-cultural environment provides a rare opportunity for our students and staff to learn valuable lessons - ones that are less likely to be learned in more isolated communities."
The festivities on May 3 start with an international lunch prepared by the Ellis lunchroom staff. After lunch the entire Ellis community will take part in an all school international parade complete with costumes, banners and flags. For the remainder of the afternoon the event will include a wide variety of activities: international music performed by students, international art projects and games, storytelling, folk dancing, a celebration of Hispanic heritage, Kusogea Nobi drum ensemble and more. Everyone will get a taste of foods from around the world at the International Buffet. This celebration will take place outdoors on the school grounds and newly designed playground. The Ellis community is hoping for a big turn-out for this event because "International Days is an opportunity to meet other families from all over the world, experience different cultures and meet new friends," said second grade teacher Lisa Lynch.
The event will continue in the evening at nearby Merrill Middle School, 1551 S. Monroe, where the event will continue along with Cory and University Park elementary schools. The International Community Festival starts with a spaghetti dinner at 5:30 p.m. The festivities continue until 8:00 p.m. with singing, dancing and music from around the world. Each school will have a unique display and entertainment will be provided by students and others from the Denver community.
Ellis Elementary School is located at 1651 S. Dahlia St. The school's telephone number is 303-756-8363.
For more information, contact Jenny Spampinato at 720-424-7753.