Heritage Days at Cushman are a long-standing tradition that links our students to their families’ history and the interconnectedness of our global community. As part of our fifth-grade social studies curriculum, students deliver impressive speeches about their ancestral roots and how their forefathers came to America. These students then invite the whole school to tour their countries as the Elementary pavilion is transformed into a “mini Epcot” with elaborate displays, artifacts and fabulous food from all over the globe. All the five senses are engaged in this fantastic learning experience that ultimately celebrates cultural diversity, inclusivity at Cushman and geographic history of the world.
Preparation for this event begins months in advance as our fifth graders research, complete presentations, collaborate with family members and understand each other’s unique heritages. As students learn about the multiple cultures that comprise our international community, I’m pleasantly reminded of how wonderfully diverse and ethnically rich Cushman’s student body is and how our school benefits greatly from our international location in Miami.
Instilling a global perspective in our students is imperative in today’s education. Not only do many careers depend on cross-cultural collaboration and communication, but fostering open-mindedness and compassion in our children leads to more peaceful coexistence for future generations.
Every year, this spectacular curriculum highlight reminds me that despite the different traditions, cultures and cuisines represented over Heritage Days, our students are all united in their educational journey while at The Cushman School.
Dr. Arvi Balseiro
