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Where can you find 350 students, 30 countries, and fun activities incorporating science, social studies, math, and writing? At one local school they not only reinforce curriculum taught in the classroom but they teach children about international culture, diversity, and respect of the world around them. Last year, Flynn Park Elementary School in University City drew 400 children, parents, and teachers from its diverse student population of 350 for an evening called Passport Night. Organizers anticipate 450 to 475 attendees this year.
Scheduled for Thursday, March 13, Passport Night celebrates the school's multi-cultural dimension as parents and teachers share their own backgrounds and experiences with students. The event features displays and activities from Australia, Canada, India, Taiwan, China, Korea, Pakistan, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Latin America, Africa, Fiji and more. The evening will also feature a performance by the U City Jazz Group, International Restaurant Raffles, an International Bank, and an area from the Worldways Children Museum. The country displays represent the diverse backgrounds of the student/parent/teacher body at Flynn Park. As they tour different countries, the student "travelers" will have an opportunity to talk with the school's international parents and international students from Washington University and other institutions.
Because the parents and teachers share their backgrounds and their cultures, Passport night is a truly special event for the children. Students are able to learn more about their own classmates and gain a deeper respect for each other's cultures. The event is an authentic parent-teacher partnership, giving parents a greater role in their children's school.
Flynn Park School is located at 7220 Waterman Avenue in University City.
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