Jason Arndt, jarndt@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Hillcrest Primary School parent Chris Evans and her 9-year-old son, Tyler, view student artwork during the school’s annual Showcase of Colors event Thursday. The event highlights diversity and cultural awareness and drew nearly 450 people to the first Music Around the World concert.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Hillcrest Primary School art teacher Reba Pozorski, LEADS Charter School kindergarten teacher Sarah Heins and 4-year-old kindergarten teacher Sally Sleweski discuss their students’ artwork on display Thursday during the school’s annual Showcase of Colors.
Hillcrest Primary School music teacher Craig Pynenberg was impressed with the turnout and participation at the school’s first annual Music Around the World concert Thursday night.
The event, which was presented with the annual Showcase of Colors and Cultural Fair, drew more than 400 community members and nearly 140 students. Attendance was optional for the students.
“I was expecting about 50, so when I found out a couple of days ago that it was 140, I was blown away by it,” Pynenberg said.
The concert performed by students in kindergarten through second grade featured music of the Menominee, Spanish and African cultures.
Principal Troy Edwards, who sprung into action by providing more chairs for the standing-room-only crowd, said the concert was a nice addition.
“We even had better attendance than what we were hoping by adding the concert, so we were grabbing some extra chairs, and it was wonderful to see all of the parents and grandparents and community members attending the concert,” Edwards said.
The annual event also gave family members an opportunity to view student artwork and support the book fair sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Association.
Art teacher Reba Pozorski, said she was pleased with the turnout, saying it was the highest she has seen in her five years as an instructor at the school.
Edwards said the event accomplished its goal.
“Any time we can get the kids and everybody else learning about different cultures and the diversity, that is what it is all about,” Edwards said. “It is a nice opportunity for parents to come in and enjoy the art, the concert and the book fair.”
Pynenberg commended the students and parents for making the optional concert a success.
“The kids performed very well and I hope that we captured the essence of culture and let the families think and see other cultures,” Pynenberg said. “I am very pleased with the parental involvement, they got all the kids here, and without them the night would not have been possible.”
