Cultural Heritage Fair - Letter to parents

[Letter to Parents  - Examples from 2009 - Ideas for Projects
- Ideas for Boards - Timeline - Project Plan - Plan of Action - Final Checklist]

March 16, 2010

Dear Seventh Grade Parents,

I want to let you know about a special spring project in 7th grade History called the Cultural Heritage Fair, in which each student researches some aspect of her family heritage or the history of her community, writes a news article growing out of her research, and creates a display that she shares with the community at the Cultural Heritage Fair. The project is the culmination of our study of culture and immigration and our work on paragraph-writing. It is also a celebration of the rich cultural diversity and experiences in our community. The project will take place over a six-week period, beginning this week. The girls will be given time to work on their research and writing projects in class and they will work at home on their displays.

Students will first decide on topics for their projects, either some aspect of their own family background or culture or the history and culture of San Francisco or another community where they have lived. Just a few examples of family-related topics are ancestors or living relatives; cultural or religious heritage; family traditions or foods; professions in the family; and family connections to historical events. (Samples of 2009 projects can be seen by clicking here: CHF - 2009.) 

I want you to know about this project ahead of time so you can support your daughter by providing information on her topic and guidance for her display. The school will provide a 4' by 3' display board in early May. Parents should also be prepared to make any necessary arrangements for girls to be driven to school on the morning of May 27 when they bring their completed displays to the gym.

The 2010 Burke's Cultural Heritage Fair will be in the gym on Thursday, May 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and on Friday, May 28, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. The students will set up their displays immediately after school dismissal on Thursday, May 27, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., during which time they will be provided with refreshments. All students are expected to be at their booths for set-up and during all fair hours. In the rare event that a student is unable to participate fully in the the Fair, I will work with her to arrange a suitable alternative way to share her project with the community. Please communicate with me immediately about any special arrangements that may need to be made.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me (julie@kdbs.org ) or call me (voice-mail ext. 329).

I look forward to supporting your daughter in her exploration of her cultural heritage and to seeing you at the Cultural Heritage Fair in May.

Sincerely,
Julie Jospé

7th Grade History Teacher

[Letter to Parents - Examples from 2009 - Ideas for Projects
- Ideas for Boards - Timeline - Project Plan - Plan of Action - Final Checklist]