Celebrate Me!
Celebrate Me! (en espanol) is a division-wide cultural awareness campaign that will include both school-based and community activities and a culminating city-wide event. The purpose is to celebrate cultural heritage and to promote a sense of belonging and membership for all Newport News students, staff, and families!
Celebrate Me! is coordinated by NNPS Youth Development in collaboration with curriculum and instruction supervisors in a variety of disciplines including World Languages, Fine Arts, and Social Studies.
From March 7 to 11, 2022, lessons and activities at all grade levels celebrate the diversity of our community and serve to encourage awareness and appreciation of our diverse cultures and heritage. View Celebrate Me! Calendar Infographic Poster.
Celebrate Me! Invites students, staff, families, and community partners to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of our Newport News Public Schools community! There are many ways to participate. Student clubs, schools, community groups, and all youth serving organizations are welcome to sponsor a Celebrate Me Activity. Use the Celebrate Me! Planning Guide to get started. The Celebrate Me! Activity Ideas Resource has lots of ways to learn, raise awareness, and celebrate heritage!
If you have any questions or need additional information, please email Bridget Adams, Youth Development Supervisor, or call (757) 283-7850 x.10318. If your organization is sponsoring a Celebrate Activity, tell us about it so that we can add it to the calendar!
Community Celebrate Me! Activities
Celebrate Me! Calendar
Division-Wide Suggested Recognition Activities (Schools and Departments)
Monday, March 7: Celebrate Me! Day
Students and staff share pictures and artifacts from their own culture or heritage during homeroom, morning meetings, or class time. This may include family traditions, music, etc. Note: Students who are not aware of their country of origin or those who don’t have family traditions should be encouraged to share other aspects of their lived experiences.
Tuesday, March 8: Gimme a Beat: World Music Day!
Invite students and staff to submit songs for a school World Beats playlist. Play music reflecting those different cultures as students enter the building, during transitions, in the cafeteria, etc.
Wednesday, March 9: My Story Day
- Students and staff create videos, art, or other visual representations which highlight their cultural stories. Submissions can be shared via morning meetings, school broadcasts, or on social media using they hashtag #NNPSCelebrateMe
- PreK-6. Encourage students to create a Celebrate Me! Classbook reflecting their stories.
Thursday, March 10: At My Table
Host a cooking festival! Have students or staff take pictures or record themselves creating a traditional family dish or meal and share the video and recipe with the class. Use the recipes to make a class or school cookbook (electronic cookbooks are possible). Use the cookbooks as a school-wide fundraiser.
Friday, April 15: Movie Night
NNPS students, staff, and families are invited to attend a special Movie Night event. Please check with your school's Youth Development Lead for more information.
