Inclusive holiday celebration shares traditions from ‘Around the World’

Rye Lake Lower Campus shares diverse cultural display 

The Rye Lake Lower Campus went beyond the usual holiday festivities by celebrating the unique cultural traditions represented among students and staff.

The ‘Holidays Around the World’ event featured 10 elaborate displays created by classrooms across the campus, from Christmas in France and Chinese New Year to Los Posadas (a Mexican Christmas-time tradition) and Eid al-Fitr.

The event was conceived by the campus’s Equity Team, Principal Julia Dolan said. The idea was to do more than host a holiday party—though it was indeed a fun and festive occasion—and celebrate the cultures and traditions of the Lower Campus community in ways they could see themselves represented.

“This holiday season we wanted our school community to come together to explore more holidays, traditions, and cultures from around the world,” Ms. Dolan said. “I’m delighted to see our students engaging so meaningfully in these activities and learning about things that hold deep meaning for their classmates and teachers.”

According to Assistant Principal Nick Villano, one staff member was impressed to walk in and see the “Christmas in Haiti” presentation and to recognize so many important details he recalled from his own childhood celebrations.

Using the unique layout of the Decagon, students made a full-circle tour of holiday traditions. Christmas in Italy, Hanukkah and Diwali all made for colorful, engaging displays. The Epiphany and Christmas in Jamaica displays rounded out the presentations.

Besides display boards featuring details about each holiday, classes were asked to prepare a traditional food item or craft. Students were given passports which were stamped as students moved about the Decagon visiting each holiday.

Sadika Clarke, Southern Westchester BOCES’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, said she learned many new details herself about the diverse holidays presented. “I think this is a very good way to build community,” Ms. Clarke said.

For insights into the topic of inclusive holiday celebrations, Ms. Clarke shares the article linked here: Celebrating “the Holidays”: A Personal Reflection