Taking an excursion to far away lands at LWA

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The Lower School’s hallway at Lawrence Woodmere Academy was bustling on the morning of Feb. 17 as students in preschool through the fourth grade were gearing up for the annual International Day.

“It’s the showcase event of the year,” first grade teacher Lisa Del Prete said. Students learn about the language, money, environment, wildlife and other aspects of their country.

Students also prepare a culturally-themed performance. Following the individual performances, all the students involved sang, “We are the World.” After the show, students and their families entered the gym where there were projects on display and food from each country, which included items such as pie and fried chicken from America and crepes representing France.

Students in pre-K learned about the U.S., kindergarteners studied Israel, first-graders researched Brazil, second-graders discussed Ireland, third-graders found out more about the Caribbean (including Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana and Panama) and the fourth-graders studied France.

“They are especially proud to share everything about their country with us,” Bonnie Pinkow, a kindergarten teacher, said about the three children in her class who were born in Israel.

“I learned about the Eiffel tower and some people like Jacques Cousteau,” Will Shlomm, a fourth grade student from Atlantic Beach, said. His teacher, Marguerite Engelman, emphasized the immersive nature of International Day preparation. She highlighted the fact that her students gained an understanding of music, art, literature and history of France. “It’s a celebration of the kids learning and what they’ve accomplished,” she said.

Iris Radomsky, a parent of a Lower School student, is originally from Israel. She lives in Hewlett. “It’s very important to learn about the world,” she said.
There is a five-year country rotation so that no student repeats a country. Teachers look into what countries the kids had previously studied to ensure almost every continent is covered.

“Our studies prove to be the perfect complement to this year’s Lower School’s theme of radiating respect,” Principal Sherri L. Fromowitz said before the performances began. She believes that International Day fosters a sense of cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diversity. Fromowitz added that students also gain a deeper understanding of how people in other countries live.