Horizon’s International Night stages cultures, helps Heifer International

Horizon Principal Rodney Richardson, at left, announces the parade of countries. (PHOTO / ASHLEY HODGES)

MADISON – During International Night on March 14, Horizon Elementary School’s campus will resemble a United Nations assembly.

Horizon students will represent more than 25 different countries on all seven continents, along with the International Space Station. England, China, Canada, Costa Rica and Japan are a few cultures, teacher Amy Williams said. As they visit countries, students will have their ‘passports’ stamped.

Classes will paint faces in Australia and makes Rastafarian bracelets in Jamaica. Ethnic food and beverage will be served. “I-movies will display student learning on iPads,” Williams said. Some classes will dress in native costumes.

Without any restraints, Horizon teachers chose how to showcase student’s exploration of their country. “It was totally up to each individual teacher and students,” Williams said.

Horizon classes have made tie-dyed T-shirts, full-length landscape murals, the rock-and-stone Great Wall of China, a Parisian cafe and German Oktoberfest.

The cafeteria will sell pizza and beverages from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with entertainment by Mawre & Co. from Chattanooga with African drumming and dance. Since 2000, Kofi and Rebekah Mawuko have entertained in their invigorating and refreshing style. Fitness Arts Center of Madison will demo Irish dancing. Guests can tour classrooms from 6 to 8 p.m.

In addition, Horizon fourth-graders are spearheading a school-wide drive for Heifer International, which provides 30 types of livestock to global villages. Second-grade teacher Annette Driggers suggested the fundraiser.

Tamara Caudle’s fourth-grade class is excited about the heifer project. “This is a fun way to help others by competing to raise money for (the) hungry so they can have animals to raise and eat,” Rachel Zuvanich said.

“It’s a great project,” Clayton Laskodi said. “It’s helping families survive by providing food, water and even allowing kids to go to school. Without this effort, some families would have a hard time surviving.”

By March 13, organizers had collected more than $1,300 to reach Horizon’s goal of $1,500. If Horizon reaches its goal, principal Rodney Richardson will kiss a pig during assembly on March 22.