Kensington students embrace the Philippines

KENSINGTON, N.H. (AP) — For second-grader Andrew Macek, learning a Philippine stick dance with fast rhythmic beats and marching steps made the region of the world come alive.

The stick dance was one of a number of Philippine dances and cultural traditions on display at the Kensington Elementary School on Jan. 26 when the school held their annual Cultural Passport event.

Each year, the school chooses a new country and students become immersed in the culture, learning dances, songs, art and history.

At the culmination of the unit, the school hosts an open house for students to showcase what they've learned.

The night ends with a community bonfire behind the school with help from the fire department.

"Countries are selected carefully each year to honor the heritage of a current student or family at Kensington Elementary School," Ruel said.

The night also included performances of traditional and folk dances by a dance troupe from the National Federation of Filipino Americans Association.

Artwork created by students was on display during the event, including tribal masks made by second grade students for the Ati-atihan Festival, Filipino jewelry and an animal study by first graders.

Parent and PTO President Jen Kirby Macek loves the way the Cultural Passport is woven into all classes at the school.