Celebrating International Week at ISU

Ian, Ashley & Brian's school held a week long celebration called International Week. At their school (ISU) there are about 260 students pre-school through 12th grade and they represent 23 different nations. Nearly half of the student population is Mongolian so the remaining half covers 22 other nations. I attended two different assemblies (Thursday and Friday mornings) enjoying performances of music, song & dance. The students all wore their native country traditional costumes/outfits on Thursday and they all wore traditional Mongolian attire on Friday. I employed a seamstress to make deel jackets for Ian & Brian and a deel dress for Ashley. Here they are all dressed up for Friday:

In addition to some Mongolian performances on Friday, the school orchestra performed an instrumental piece and it was very nice! They are a small, but mighty group.

On Thursday, the 7th graders, including Ashley, performed a modern dance piece which was popular with the audience. There was also a group of 6th grade boys who performed a traditional Maori dance (originating from New Zealand). Ashley also participated in the final performance of the assembly which was a group song about peace, harmony & making the world a better place for all. The students of ISU did a very nice job!

Brian with his classmate, Natasha, who is from Singapore

Thursday evening all the families were invited to the school to enjoy an International potluck-style food night. The American families each brought items one would usually expect to find at a Thanksgiving feast as well as the US Embassy popcorn machine to provide freshly popped, movie style popcorn to the attendees. Both were a huge hit! Personally, I mostly chose items from the table with all the foods from India -- I love those flavors!! I also sampled some yummy Peruvian foods.

It is the end of the first quarter at ISU. After all the hard work and the celebrations, we are now going to enjoy an entire week of Fall Break away from school. Last night was movie night. Today it is snowing while Ian is over at a friend's house, Ashley is off at a friend's birthday party and Brian is playing with a friend here at our house. Monday will be swimming then out to lunch. Tuesday a tour of the chocolate factory. Wednesday will be prepping for the Halloween Haunted House/party. Thursday bowling & out to lunch. Friday night -- the Halloween party and trick or treating. Saturday morning a pancake breakfast. Sunday -- recover. Monday -- back to school!