TEACHERS JOINED STUDENTS to walk in the inaugural Culture Parade. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield School District
VIEW RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL’S band also marched and performed in the parade. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield School District
FIFTH GRADERS, from left, Jayden Sommerville, Olivia Pederson and Meredith Pederson were among many students who stayed after school to finish their projects. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield School District
Children from Union Ridge Elementary School marched through downtown Ridgefield on June 5 during a Culture Parade, which teachers hope becomes an annual event.
“The Culture Parade represents the emphasis placed on cultural awareness throughout every grade level,” fourth-grade teacher Mindy Morris said. “As a staff, we decided all students from kindergarten through sixth grade should research and reflect on a culture through a project based on standards for social studies.”
At the end of each school year, students in each grade level must complete a classroom-based assessment (CBA) project as part of the state requirements for educational standards. The fourth-grade teaching team of Morris, Anja Felton and Nani Mack came up with the idea of a Culture Parade to feature students’ CBA projects.
Kindergartners created a “See Me Grow Up” timeline, first graders studied animals from around the world, second graders researched their local community, and third graders studied Native Americans’ contributions. Fourth graders investigated the first explorers of Washington state, fifth graders learned about inventions that influenced colonial culture, and sixth graders studied ancient civilizations.
As the day of the Culture Parade neared, teachers stayed after the normal school day so students could finish their CBA projects.
“I’ve been impressed with how many students stayed after school to finish their homework,” said Kelly O’Boyle, a fifth-grade teacher. “The extra time really helps our students get their work done.”
Fifth-grade students gave speeches to their classmates in addition to completing their research projects. Some children showed no signs of the fear of public speaking that affects many adults.
“Giving my speech was my favorite part because I got to dress up,” said Olivia Pederson, a fifth grader. “The hardest part was reaching the time limit since it was pretty long.”
Teachers joined students to walk in the parade. Morris said it was nice to see children’s happy reactions when they saw all the supporter on the sidewalks.
“There is nothing more special than seeing a child’s face light up with excitement,” she said.
“When we were halfway down Pioneer and could see students all the way down the street in front of us and students all up the street behind us, it gave me chills,” said Felton.
Mack agreed, saying, “When we rounded the corner out of the parking lot and saw the streets lined with people, I almost started crying.”
The View Ridge Middle School band also marched and performed during the parade.
The fourth-grade teaching team had to get state and city permits for the parade because Pioneer Street is a state highway.
The evening of June 5, several community members attended a student showcase at Union Ridge featuring projects from the Cultural Parade as well as other student projects in art, music, physical education and other disciplines. The Ridgefield Part-Teacher Organization provided Italian sodas, and Ridgefield restaurants provided food for the showcase.
More photos from the Culture Parade are on Ridgefield School District’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RidgefieldSchools.
