Windermere Primary and Windermere Elementary students recently came together for the Windermere PTO Family Night of Diversity. Students, staff, parents and community members were invited to attend the event, which gave participants the opportunity to learn more about different cultures, as well as people with physical or developmental disabilities.

“We talk a lot about the diversity of our District, and we think it is important to give our students the opportunity to ask questions and really explore that diversity,” Windermere Principal Christi Siegel said. “Students enjoy learning about the different cultures of their classmates, and gaining a better understanding of students who may have a physical or developmental disability.”

Over 25 countries were represented, giving students a glimpse into the cultures of China, Ethiopia, Mexico, Norway and Pakistan just to name a few. Several local groups performed for students, including the Texas Dragon Dance Team, the Irish Dance Center, and Ballet Folkloric Mexican Dance Club from the University of Texas.

Essential Academics teachers and students displayed some of the learning tools used in their classrooms, which cater to students with special needs.  

“The Essential Academics display, which was titled ‘Anything you can do, we can do,’ was an excellent method to show the way our special education students learn, and to reinforce the night’s overall theme of embracing diversity,” Siegel said.

posted 03/23/09