World Travelers

World Travelers Visits Ireland!

Our World Travelers joined Mike McCauley, father of Tatum (4th) and Margaux (2nd), as he immersed us in the myth, magic and magnificence of Ireland. Through stunning imagery of the Emerald Isle, live music, dance performances and more, students were transported to another time and place. The HW lobby was decorated highlighting family and staff stories of Irish roots, and bagpipers and local Irish dancers performed in our auditorium.

A HUGE thank you to the World Travelers Committee and volunteers!

World Travelers Visits The Netherlands!

Join us as World Travelers takes us on a journey to the Netherlands guided by the van Vilsteren family! Students will learn about the country’s geography, history, culture and heritage!

There is no need to sign up for World Travelers as all students will be able to experience the Netherlands in school! Students will view a presentation created by Julius (3rd grade) and Reinier (2nd grade). A visit to the school lobby will include a walk through the tulips, information about famous Dutch artists and personalities as well as an opportunity to contribute to the Hubbard Woods art gallery. Students can also visit the library to learn more about Anne Frank. Finally, they can keep their eyes peeled for fun facts hidden throughout the school to learn more about New York’s connection to the Netherlands, the famous Dutch windmills and more.

Kids will also be able to experience the true flavor of the Netherlands! After a long pause, we are excited to announce that we have partnered with Marla’s Lunch to offer Dutch Pancakes for those who placed orders through the PTO email link that was sent last week. Please keep an eye out for future opportunities to enjoy international flavors with World Travelers.

Also, check out the links below for additional opportunities for your family to learn more about the Netherlands at home:

View the van Vilsteren family Travelogue at home
View the Netherland’s Explained video from Countries Explained
Download coloring sheets and bring them to school to hang in our own art gallery
View masterpieces by Dutch Masters Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Mondrian and more at the Chicago Art Institute
Try your hand at Dutch cooking with recipes from The Netherlands including a step-by-step guide to making Butter Cake with the van Vilsteren family

Many thanks to the van Vilsteren family for sharing their home country and taking us on this unique journey. Special thanks to Julius and Reinier van Vilsteren for showing us the Netherlands through the eyes of a child.

Any questions? Contact Karly Matthews or Maria Shideler, World Travelers co-chairs.

What is World Travelers?

What is World Travelers? 

Three times in the school year (typically, October, January and April), this committee creates a virtual travel experience for participating students in grades K-4.

During Travelogue, students learn about the history and culture of a particular country in fun and engaging ways!

Student Participation 

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.

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:

2017-2018: Greece, Mexico, Taiwan
2018-2019 Sweden, Peru
2019-2020 Wales, Norway
2020-2021 Egypt, Japan, Germany
2021-2022 Colombia, Iran, Indonesia
2022-2023 South Korea

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 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. 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, and decorating the lobby!

For more information, please contact Hubbard Woods PTO.