The 2nd Grade students at Van Holten Primary School have traveled around the world.
Now, they did not leave Bridgewater and go on a journey.
They gained knowledge of the world's cultures by sitting in their classroom at Van Holten.
These eager-to-learn students shared what they had learned when they entertained both their Van Holten schoolmates and staff, and their family and friends, during their Multi-Cultural Festival.
The students and staff attended a day assembly in the morning on Tuesday, May 5, and then the family and friends of these 2nd Grade worldly students watched an afternoon session that day.
The school’s all-purpose room was filled with both the energetic performers and an attentive audience who marveled at the students who sang various cultural songs.
The 2nd Graders were guided through production on stage by their dedicated and enthusiastic teachers—Kelly Kokotajlo, Christy Baxter, Kristin Laine, and Rebecca Massa.
Ms. Kokotajlo, who was later that day, on Tuesday, May 5, honored as the Governor's Educator of the Year for Van Holten at a school district ceremony, explained the lessons the students absorbed.
“Over the last two months, the 2nd graders at Van Holten School have learned about their own family cultures,” Ms. Kokotajlo said. “ They learned that New Jersey is a very diverse state filled with people from all over the world. They "traveled" to different countries to learn about their customs, traditions, currency, and food.”
Ms. Kokotajlo touched on how well these 2nd Graders were educated and how they applied their knowledge of the many cultures from around the world.
“The culminating event was a cultural concert which included songs, dances and speeches that showcased the ideas of being a kind global citizen and embracing the differences and unique characteristics of one another.”