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Cultural Corner

Diversity in the Curriculum
In the classroom, All Saints' Episcopal Day School celebrates the diverse cultural threads that weave their way throughout our private school community. We are constantly striving to incorporate activities that celebrate diverse cultures. A few of the activities for 2010-current include:
•Visits from Navajo weavers and Hopi potters
•An international feast introducing the students to dishes from many countriesfor the second grade
•A display of a map of the world tracking our staff and families' countries of origin
•A study of world religions in grade eight including visiting speakers representing the Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic faiths
•An extensive Spanish language program that also introduces and celebrates Hispanic culture
•A Chinese elective for grades seven and eight; plus, an after-school Chinese program
•A research project on a specific Latin American country for grade five students
•Music performances from "Opera-tunity" and from the Phoenix Symphony Percussion Ensemble
•Visit to a mosque
•A presentation by Zarco Guerrero and Carmen De Novais about Dia De Los Muertos
•"No-Name Calling Week" with guest speaker Calvin Terrell
•Annual visits from Native American Hoop Dancers for Pre K and 3rd grade students
•A special presentation from the AZ Council for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired during chapel
•Special chapel with a visiting rabbi and with the head of our sister school in Haiti, Père Jeannot
•The Art Elective did portraits for an organization called the Memory Project. Photos are taken in orphanages around the world and then American art students draw portraits and return them to the children.  Click Here to see more about this project.
•Art Elective 4th graders learned about Drapo flags made in Haiti and sent to our sister school in Haiti, St. Paul’s, as a greeting from All Saints'
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers and performers at some of our Chapel services and independent private school assemblies share their stories, religion, and creative gifts with the All Saints' community. Past visitors include:
•Rabbi Plotkin and Rabbi Keller. Also, Bishop Thomas of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist congregation
•Melanie Sainz, a Native American who is a diversity activist and art teacher
•Mark Trombino, a little person who talked about physical differences and overcoming adversity
•Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker, the parent of an alumni, who shared his journey as an African American
•A Holocaust survivor, members of the armed services, and alumni involved in charity projects around the world
•Calvin Terrell, a recognized authority on diversity, bullying, and social justice issues 
•Michele Gauthier from the Clear Light Buddhist Center 
•Performances by jazz singers Margo Reed and Dennis Rowland for Martin Luther King Day Jr. chapels 
Visiting Authors
The All Saints' Episcopal Day School Library staff periodically brings in visiting authors to our Phoenix, Arizona private school campus to speak to the students. Many of the authors offer a look at literature through the lens of a different religion or culture. Authors who have visited over the last few years include:
Jack Gantos
Janet Wong (Chinese and Korean)
Ruby Bridges (Black American)
Marianne Mitchell
Jim Arnosky (Nature writer)
John Gardner
David Schwartz (Jewish American)
Eric Kimmel (Jewish American)
Nikki Grimes (Black American)
Gloria Skurzynski
Jim Deem
Suse MacDonald
Diane de Groat
David Clement-Davies (British)
Poetry Alive!
Greg Tang (Chinese American)
Linda Sue Park (Korean)
Pam Muñoz Ryan (Hispanic American)
Keiko Kasza (Japanese)
Cynthia Kadohata (Japanese)
Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Michael Buckley
Jennifer Ward
Joseph Bruchac (Native American)
Nicol Rubel
CrossWorlds Festival
The All Saints' Episcopal Day School annual CrossWorlds Festival (formerly known as Young Authors Night) held each spring features storytelling, writing, art, and food from many countries. Children, parents, and guests are invited to share their own stories or a folk tale from their culture at an open mic event. Many examples of student writing are showcased. The Spring Art Show opens the same evening and features a visual feast of work from pre-kindergarten through grade eight. The All Saints' Parent Association Book Fair is also open with a variety of literature offered. This year's CrossWorlds Festival is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, 2021. For more information contact Beth Lederman, Diversity Committee chair, by clicking here.
 
All Saints’ Episcopal Day School is a private independent school in Phoenix, Arizona with a distinguished history of offering academic excellence, comprehensive fine arts, and competitive sports, along with an emphasis on spiritual growth and community service.