At Seven Oaks Elementary, International Day wasn’t just an event—it was an experience. The school buzzed with excitement as students waved flags, played drums, explored country exhibits, and collected stamps in their passports. Everywhere I looked, students were engaged—learning, asking questions, and celebrating both their own backgrounds and the cultures of the world.
As the Global Leaders strategy coach for Seven Oaks, I saw firsthand how this day was about more than cultural appreciation—it was about preparing students for the future. No matter where their careers take them, they will need to adapt, collaborate, and communicate across cultures—skills that Seven Oaks is intentionally fostering through experiences like this.
Seven Oaks is committed to preparing students for that future, aligning with the district’s mission to ensure that all students are college and career-ready, in partnership with stakeholders. At Participate Learning, we are proud partners in this mission through our focus on career readiness via the Global Leaders framework, ensuring that students gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a competitive and interconnected world.
A Joyful Beginning: Kicking Off the Celebration
The day’s celebrations began with a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and excitement, setting the tone for a full day of hands-on learning. One highlight of the morning was the teacher trivia game show, where teachers competed to answer questions about different countries and cultures. As they played, students enthusiastically cheered them on, clapping and calling out in support. Their excitement showed just how invested they were—not only in seeing their teachers succeed but in the learning itself.
This trivia game was a reminder that learning isn’t passive. Even though the students weren’t playing, they were actively engaged, picking up new knowledge along the way and encouraging their teachers every step of the way.
Drums, Soccer, and the Power of Hands-On Learning
As the day continued, students took part in a variety of interactive experiences that allowed them to engage with different aspects of culture in a meaningful way, both inside the school building as well as outside.
Inside, the rhythmic beats of Dancing Drum filled the room as students played drums together while learning about the different countries where drumming traditions hold special significance. While the focus was on participation, these moments offered students a small window into the global presence of percussion and how music connects people across cultures.
Out on the field, another group of students joined SC United Strikers, a program that blends soccer fundamentals with valuable social and emotional skills. Representing the South Carolina United FC, this group teaches teamwork, perseverance, and confidence—values that transcend sports and are essential in any endeavor. Soccer, one of the most widely played and beloved sports worldwide, served as a bridge connecting students to communities near and far.
Whether through music or play, these experiences helped students understand that learning about different cultures isn’t just about books and lessons—it’s something you see, hear, feel, and live.
A Parade of Pride: A Celebration of Community and Belonging
One of the most moving moments of the day was the International Parade, where students, teachers, and staff walked together carrying flags that represented their heritage and personal connections. Students marched proudly alongside their friends, whether they were representing a country outside the U.S. or the U.S. itself, with their classmates cheering them on.
At its heart, this parade wasn’t just about waving flags—it was about celebrating the diverse backgrounds that make up the Seven Oaks community while also embracing the shared experiences that bring us together. It was a moment for students to feel seen, to take pride in where they come from, and to recognize that while we all have unique stories, we are also part of something bigger—our school, our country, and the world we all share.
Reflecting on the impact of the event, Dr. Angie Slatton, Principal of Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet, shared:
“International Day is a time for our students to celebrate both the cultures of the world and the country they call home. They aren’t just learning about different traditions—they are embracing them, making connections, and seeing how the U.S. is part of a larger global community.”
A Passport to the World: Exploring Cultural Displays
A highlight of the day was the cultural exhibition, where students had the opportunity to explore displays representing 15 different countries, including the United States. Teachers and families, many with personal ties to these countries, carefully prepared tables filled with cultural artifacts and interactive experiences that brought each location to life.
As students moved through the exhibits, they carried their own passports, collecting stamps at each stop to mark their learning journey. But this was more than just a fun activity—it was a way to actively engage with different cultures, reinforcing the idea that learning about the world is an ongoing adventure.
Adding to the excitement, students who collected 10 stamps were rewarded with a “trip” to Antarctica, where they could enjoy a snow cone—an extra touch of fun that made the experience even more memorable.
Families also had the opportunity to bring home fresh produce from a table staffed by the student nutrition services team, where broccoli, squash, and collard greens were available for families to take. Signs at the table featured interesting international facts about each vegetable, highlighting their significance in different cuisines around the world. This thoughtful addition reinforced the idea that food connects us across cultures and provided a tangible way for families to continue the learning experience at home.
Mary Cumbee, the Magnet Schools Assistance Program Site Coordinator, who led the organization of this incredible day, reflected on its impact:
“International Day is about more than just learning about other cultures—it’s about recognizing the connections we all share. Seeing students light up as they got their passports stamped and engaged with each table was a reminder of how meaningful these experiences are. Today, every student connected more deeply with their own heritage, whether that was the U.S. or another country, while also gaining a greater appreciation for the cultures and traditions that shape the world around them.”
From hearing stories about different ways of life to seeing the unique artifacts displayed, students left each table with a greater appreciation for both their own backgrounds and the cultures that make up their school community.
Why This Matters for the Future
International Day at Seven Oaks was a day of celebration, connection, and discovery. It was a reminder that learning about the world isn’t just about understanding geography or history—it’s about developing the knowledge and skills that prepare students for the future.
At Participate Learning, we know that these experiences shape students in ways that go far beyond the classroom. As the workforce continues to evolve, students must graduate ready to work in a global economy. Employers today are looking for problem-solvers, leaders, and individuals who can represent our country well while working effectively with partners from around the world.
Seven Oaks is leading the way in ensuring that students leave school prepared not only with strong academics but also with the real-world skills employers value—teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to work with people from all backgrounds. Whether students go on to work in technology, healthcare, education, business, or any other field, the lessons they learned on this day will stay with them. When students learn to embrace both their own heritage and the cultures around them, they are preparing not just for a job—but for a life of curiosity, understanding, and meaningful impact.
And on March 13th, they took one incredible step on that journey.
Caroline Baker is an experienced educator and strategic leader dedicated to helping schools cultivate career-ready students through global learning. Before joining Participate Learning as a Global Leaders Strategy Coach in fall 2023, Caroline worked for more than eight years as a high school special education teacher. As the Strategy Coach for Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet, she works closely with the school’s global committee and global lead to define and implement a vision for Global Leaders success. Her dedication to global learning is driven by a belief in preparing students for career readiness with empathy and respect. With a deep commitment to preparing students for the future, Caroline supports schools in integrating real-world skills into their learning environments, ensuring that students graduate ready to succeed in whatever professional path they choose.
