Diverse Lessons on America as a Melting Pot

Teacher Myrna Noland had long bridled when she saw the nation’s racial divisions reflected in her students at Fletcher Elementary School. With minorities making up 20% of the enrollment, Noland and other teachers grew concerned about racist and insensitive remarks students sometimes dropped.

Now administrators credit a diversity program, started by Noland three years ago, with teaching children to respect all cultures. The program has grown into a weeklong series of events at the school. Rather than just preach the basics of tolerance, the school this week is using speakers, singers, costumes and musicians to illustrate America’s multifaceted culture.

“A lot of schools teach multiculturalism, but they don’t bring it around to the idea that we’re all Americans too,” Noland said. “We’re excited because we’re not just celebrating other cultures. We’re celebrating that we’re Americans.”

The students Tuesday were having fun with musical spoons, autoharps and dancing wooden dolls--all elements of various cultures--but they could appreciate the underlying message.

“This whole week we got to learn about other cultures,” said 11-year-old Keila Rodriguez. “We learned about Africa and how they used masks and how they said sentences.”

Paper quilts depicting the heritage of the school’s children hang on the walls of the central courtyard, where a culminating All-American Day will be celebrated Friday. The students will dress as favorite Americans, and about 1,000 students, parents and teachers are expected to attend the festivities.

Said Principal Lois Lytle: “Our word for the month is ‘acceptance.’ ”