![](https://www.journal-topics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Polish-1.jpg)
A group of young dancers performed a dance named in honor of Krakow, Poland, during the Roosevelt School’s Cultural Week. (Anne Lunde/Photos from the newspaper)
Students at Roosevelt School in Park Ridge had the opportunity to explore world geography and family history Jan. 27-31 as the school celebrated Culture Week.
Flags of many countries hung along the school’s downstairs hallway.
![](https://www.journal-topics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Bangladesh-trio.jpg)
On a stand showcasing several cultures from South India and its neighbors Pakistan and Bangladesh are: Layla Chacko, Anushka Ali and Sephina Sreekivasak.
Students were encouraged to bring family photos and showcase their family spanning as many generations as possible, and share what they did for a living.
On Thursday evening, parents and grandparents were invited to the school for special presentations.
Students wore costumes indigenous to their families’ countries and cultures.
At 7 p.m., a parade of costumed students took place on the auditorium stage. Then, eight dance groups divided between the auditorium and the south gymnasium performed in the two rooms.
These included:
Irish dancers; dancers from Latin American countries including Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico,
Also: students from South Asia, notably from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and some volunteer friends; Polish dancers performing a dance named in honor of Krakow, the former Polish capital; Middle East; Greece; and various 20th-century American ballroom dances.
Around the gymnasium, parents had set up booths with flags, treasures, photos and food samples from their family’s home country.
![](https://www.journal-topics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Guatemala.jpg)
Patricia Dantes (left) and her daughter Dianna show off some cultural souvenirs from Guatemala. Dianna is holding a carved wooden reptile. By stroking the spines on its back, it functions as a percussion instrument.
Support local news by subscribing to the Journal & Topics on paper Or online.