LOGIN
+
Cultural Corner
Diversity in the Curriculum

In the classroom, All Saints' celebrates the diverse cultural threads that weave their way throughout our community. We are constantly striving to incorporate activities that celebrate diverse cultures. A few of the activities for 2009-2010 included:
•Visits from Navajo weavers and Hopi potters
•Flamenco music and dance performance with "Corazon Flamenco"
•Sending bears around the world with travel journals as part of the Geobears project
•An international feast introducing the students to dishes from many countries
•A display of a map of the world tracking our staff and families' countries of origin
•A study of world religions in grade eight
•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
•2009 Special Persons Day featuring art and music from around the world with the theme "Around the World with a Song in My Art"
•Music performances from "Opera-tunity" and from the Phoenix Symphony Percussion Ensemble

Guest Speakers
Guest speakers and performers at some of our Chapel services and 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 
Visiting Authors

The All Saints' Library staff periodically brings in visiting authors, many who 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
Our 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, May 3, 2011. For more information contact Beth Lederman, Diversity Committee chair, by clicking here.