What is World Travelers?
Three times in the school year (typically, October, January and April), this committee creates a two-part virtual travel experience for participating students in grades 1-4.
The first part is the “Travelogue” which typically takes place on a Wednesday in the Resource Center during lunch recess. Participating 3rd and 4th graders attend before their lunch (11:25-11:55) and 1st and 2nd graders attend after their lunch (11:55-12:25). During Travelogue, students learn about the history and culture of a particular country in a fun and engaging way. Later in the week, typically on Friday, students enjoy a catered lunch featuring food from that country.
Student Participation
Students can sign up for just the Travelogue, or the lunch, or both. Sign up to either event and payment for catered lunch takes place a week or two before the scheduled week. Starting in the 2018-2019 school year, payments will only be made online (PayPal or credit card). Information is advertised in the Item Newsletter as well as the PTO website. We also send home a short trivia to pique the interest of students and help develop their research skills. Those who answer all questions correctly are entered in a drawing to win a small prize. Everyone who attends the Travelogue leaves with a small souvenir from that country (e.g., a bookmark, a postcard, a key chain).
Where Have We Traveled So Far?
We strive to present a diverse mix of countries from all over the world. Below are the countries we covered in the past few years:
- 2014-2015: Italy, Afghanistan, Egypt
- 2015-2016: Portugal, Turkey, Australia
- 2016-2017: England, India, Puerto Rico
- 2017-2018: Greece, Mexico, Taiwan
How can you help?
We are always looking for volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge of a particular country and culture. Typically, our presenter volunteers are either from that country, or have lived there or have had enough exposure to share their knowledge with the kids. If it’s not you, it may be your spouse, a close relative, a friend or neighbor. Please reach out to one of the committee co-chairs if you have any suggestions.
In addition to presenter volunteers, we are also always looking for new members to join. Members get together once at the beginning of the school year for meet & greet and general planning, and then three more times in the school year to plan each country and determine the lunch menu. Members also help out during the few weeks leading up to each destination with basic tasks such as putting signs outside the school, procuring supplies, decorating the lunch table and most importantly serving lunch!
For more information, please contact Tine Tschackert or Nurca Yener-Bozkurt.
