Classrooms Become Countries to Celebrate Diversity

Classrooms became countries at Tremont Elementary School’s third annual Celebration in Diversity event held this past Thursday.

Teachers and students transformed their respective classrooms into a country of their choosing, and students completed projects to decorate the room according to the theme of the country.

During the event, each student received a passport that was stamped as they visited each classroom's country.

One fifth grade class researched Puerto Rico and made masks; another re-created the whitewashed houses of Greece as a project; while another class painted windows featuring stories about Israeli cities. The French Polynesia section featured bongos and dancing.

Fourth grade teacher Jaime Gluckman chose to show her students a piece of her heritage by choosing Israel. Gluckman said she chose the country because it is not only a part of her culture, but also a place she has visited.

Student Connor O'Reilly says his favorite aspects of Israel are the animals.  He said he hopes to one day visit Tel Aviv.  

About 2,000 people came to the event said Dr. Joey Cohen, Tremont's principal.

"Our students have an opportunity to see how many facets of their heritage are similar in nature to their peers and we help them understand how we are all united," Cohen said.

Check the for highlights from the event.