In the weeks leading up to the district’s Multicultural Festival, our five elementary schools are coming together to celebrate cultural diversity through interactive assemblies. These schoolwide events provide students with an opportunity to learn about different cultures, explore global music, and recognize the beauty of diversity within their own communities.

At each elementary school, music teachers have collaborated to put together a meaningful program that integrates songs, rhythms, and drumming traditions from around the world. In classes, students have been engaging in lessons that explore African, Latin, Japanese, and Native American percussion, highlighting the ways in which music connects people across cultures.

"Through this initiative, we are showing our students that, just like in music, diverse elements can come together to create something truly special,” said Melynda Matheke, South Colonie elementary school music teacher. “These assemblies help our students understand that despite our differences, we all contribute to the harmony of our school community. ” 

In one Forest Park classroom, Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) students are taking their learning a step further by crafting their own drums out of recycled materials. UPK Teacher Shawn Healy is using this hands-on activity to enhance her student’s understanding of the African song "Che Che Kule," that they have been learning in class, and expect to see during their upcoming assembly.. Meanwhile, across multiple schools, students are practicing rhythms to deepen their understanding of how cultural traditions influence musical expression.

The culmination of these assemblies is a shared moment of unity, where students from all backgrounds come together to experience musical performances as a symbolic melding of cultures and ideas. From singing multilingual songs, to participating in collaborative “school rainstorms,” each school is emphasizing the idea that individual parts are important on their own, but when they come together something new and exciting is formed. These assemblies serve as a precursor to the district’s Multicultural Festival, set to take place on Friday, April 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Colonie Central High School gymnasium, where families can experience an even broader celebration of cultural heritage.

By aligning their efforts, the elementary schools are demonstrating that cultural appreciation extends beyond a single event—it is a continuous, districtwide commitment. As students, staff, and families prepare for the upcoming Multicultural Festival, these assemblies highlight how the district is not just celebrating diversity, but actively integrating it into the educational experience—ensuring that every student feels valued, and connected.