A unique project now on exhibit at the Hastings public library highlights one of the many exciting ways that the Hastings Public Schools Foundation is supporting educational enrichment and building the Hastings community.

With the goal of creating more awareness about the experiences and stories of people from different countries and cultures, five teachers and their fourth and fifth grade students at Kennedy Elementary collaborated with Intermedia Arts of Minneapolis to develop “Talking Suitcases.”

Through interviews with immigrants, storytelling and the creation of three-dimensional art within actual suitcases, the students not only learned about cultural diversity, but also how to find common ground.

“We had been teaching immigration as if it was in the past,” said Jodi Glazier, one of the fourth grade teachers involved with the project. “But there are kids coming into our schools now from other countries. The project was so successful. The kids got an amazing understanding of why people come to America. They are more appreciative of their own country and the education and safety here.”

The immigrants' stories of loss, homelessness, discrimination and language differences helped students discover that someone from Columbia might share their love of soccer or a person from Africa also enjoys gazing at a full moon.

“The greatest thing I saw was the enthusiasm the student's had to bring the story to life,” Glazier said. “They were so proud to present them to speakers and the community; one of the speakers even cried.”

Mary Pasch, the fifth-grade teacher involved with the project, said the kids left the project with broadened horizons and a fuller appreciation for an immigrant's experience.

“We hope for our children to embrace diversity and empathize with people working through the process of assimilating necessary parts of existing cultures while maintaining aspects of their own ethnicity,” said Pasch, explaining that candid involvement with people in the midst of such an experience was crucial in helping the students understand.

Both Glazier and Pasch were astounded by the generosity of the Foundation and the community members who donated time, talents and resources. “Talking Suitcases” truly has become a community project.

“Talking Suitcases” and the stories behind them are currently on display for everyone to see at the Hastings public library.

In addition to Glazier's and Pasch's classes, the grant for the 2005-2006 school year included the classes of fourth-grade teachers Jane Harris, Karen Arnold and Patty Novak. They worked with visual artist Susan Arminton and storyteller Carla Vogel of Intermedia Arts to conceive this very successful project.

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