Fresh!

International Night is a free festival like evening for families to experience cultures from all over the world represented by Louise Archer’s own community.  Artifacts, food, entertainment and workshops from many countries will be on display.  Whole families participate by bringing food, performing, teaching and exhibiting items from cultures around the world-including the USA as well.  Many volunteers are needed to make this a success as it has been in the past.  This event is purposely scheduled on the same day as Louise Archer Day to honor our school’s diversity.

International Night Explained …

Background: International Night began as a way to celebrate the diversity of the Louise Archer community and also to pay tribute to the founder of our school. Mrs. James, a second grade teacher started the program 13 years ago. It became so popular that the PTA jumped in to help. It is a completely FREE event put on by you, the volunteers. We encourage you to participate in any way! Once you sign up, coordinators will contact you with further details.

Country Displays: Whether you and/or your family come from another country or you have traveled extensively to a country, here is where you can share your knowledge of that culture. (Remember, the USA is a country too!) How to make a display: Here are a few ideas and suggestions; but it is up to you and what you have. Be as creative as you can be!

• Use a display board
• Cover the table with something from that country (embroidered tablecloth, shawl)
• Set out artifacts - art objects, clothing, photographs, books, flags, wall hangings.
• Bring a CD player/ipod and play music from that country (Bring an extension cord).
• Video or DVD of travels in a foreign country (you must provide your own equipment).

Demonstrations: Demonstrate a craft or a recipe either in conjunction with your display or as a separate station. Examples: origami, henna painting, calligraphy, languages that use different written alphabets, how to use chopsticks, how to wear a sari, or how to make tiropita (cheese pie triangles) just to name a few!

Workshops: Teach games, dances, or songs. Examples: jump rope, Chinese yoyo, handkerchief twirling, Philippine pole jumping dance etc.

For Displays, Demonstrations and Workshops, we will hang a painted sign with the name of the country behind the table(s) which you will be assigned. Your table should be attended during the event so you might want to have people to assist so you can switch off and visit other displays and workshops. Presenters will be asked to be set up by 6:00. Volunteers will help you carry in your items if necessary.

Performances: Students, parents and school clubs are invited make cultural presentations such as an instrumental or vocal piece, a dance, Kung Fu etc. Each student can participate in one performance and each performance cannot exceed 2 minutes. Deadline to sign up for performances is February 10th. Auditions as well as a dress rehearsal will be required. All CDs and technical requirements due at that time. (They will be returned but performers using CDs must leave a copy with us). Organizers will contact you with further details. 
Audtions will be February 8, 16 and 18 after school-please contact co-chairs for an audition time slot.

Food Sampling/Tasting: Families donate food from their native country or from their background experience with ethnic cooking. Food must be divided into bite-sized samples. There will be 2 food tasting sessions and volunteers will divide the food into 2 portions so the second group will have the same opportunity to taste a variety of food as the first. If you have equipment to keep something warm, please bring an extension cord. Keep in mind this is not a sit down dinner. Grab or pack a sandwich before arriving.