SHREWSBURY – In the cafeteria at Coolidge Elementary School on March 7, aromas from cuisines from across the world filled the air.
“This is the Coolidge ‘Celebration of Us’ where we celebrate everything that makes us Coolidge — every unique diversity that we bring to the table. We come together and celebrate community, culture and show off a little bit about our families and our lives outside of school that we bring with us every day,” said Principal Tiffany Ostrander.
In addition to the potluck dinner, the “Celebration of Us” featured cultural displays and presentations, songs and dances performed by students. This is the second year that the school has held the event.
“We started last year, and it was such a great success. Families have asked to do it again,” Ostrander said.
Throughout the week leading up to the celebration, Coolidge held “Cultural Awareness Week.” According to Ostrander, during the day, the students focused on a particular aspect of culture, such as music, sports, games and other cultural practices. Coolidge families also came in during the day to share a practice from their household.
Students from every grade level performed during the celebration.
“This Coolidge community is so close-knit. They’re amazing. They celebrate each other, they celebrate community and they always show up for their students and for our school,” said Ostrander.
She said the event was possible thanks to a group of staff members who are part of the Coolidge Cultural Connections Committee that worked to plan the event in addition to other cultural connection learnings happening in school.
She gave a shout out to the chair Heidi Anderson as well as members Erin Duffy, Kitty Daly, Cheryl Barron, Joan O’Brien, Robyn Gaines and Kelly Finneran.
