Wilson Middle School students, teachers showcase Culture Day during board meeting

Wilson Middle School teachers and students presented an overview of a November Culture Day to the Carlisle Area School District board, describing a student-initiated program that included student showcases, guest speakers and a potluck.

The presentation said students proposed the event to celebrate the district’s diverse student body; staff and a teacher committee organized rotations so students could see three activities — a student showcase, guest speakers and another interactive station — and complete a “Culture Day passport” that asked them to record facts about cultural traits.

“We had our world culture day back here in November, and we had a couple key objectives. First of all, the students were the ones who brought this idea to us,” said Mr. Sheeter, a sixth-grade social studies teacher, describing the program and the committee of teachers who organized it. The committee included ELD teachers and family and consumer science staff; two teachers on the committee were not present at the meeting.

Students and teachers served as ambassadors, escorted guest speakers from community and Army War College affiliates through classrooms, and provided five-minute cultural showcases; the program also included a potluck of foods contributed by staff. Presenters said the event was intended to let students “get a little taste” of different cultures represented at the school and to align with social studies standards on cultural traits.

Student presenter Kriti Suba described Nepali foods, clothing and festivals and explained cultural elements such as tika and Nepal’s national symbols. A separate student prepared a dance; board members praised the students for confidence performing for the board.

Presenters said a follow-up survey showed teachers and students wanted a larger event next year — possibly a full-day celebration held after state testing — and asked the board to allow posting of the slides used during the presentation. Board member Anne asked whether the slides could be posted; staff said that question was raised and thanked the students for attending.

Board members gave positive feedback and invited the students and teachers forward for a photo and certificates at the meeting’s close. No board action or vote was recorded on the program during the meeting.

The school requested permission to post the presentation slides and said it will consider expanded activities next year, including games and a larger food component if funding and allergy/food-safety measures can be arranged.