Youth Development at NNPS

Youth Development at NNPS

Celebrate Me!

Celebrate Me!

Celebrate Me! is an annual division-wide cultural awareness campaign that will include both school-based and community activities, with sponsored activities throughout the week. 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.

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!

From March 4th-8th, lessons and activities at all grade levels will celebrate the diversity of our community and serve to encourage awareness and appreciation of our diverse cultures and heritage.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Youth Development Office at 757-283-7850 ext. 10318 or email Bridget Adams.

Do you want to sponsor a Celebrate Me! Activity?
If your organization sponsors an event celebrating cultural heritage during Celebrate Me! week, please let us know by completing the Celebrate Me! Activity Sponsorship form!

Celebrate Me! Activity Ideas

Celebrate Me! Calendar

Celebrate Me! Calendar

Monday, March 6

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 7

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 8

My Story Day

  • A. 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
  • B. PreK-6. Encourage students to create a Celebrate Me! Classbook (https://studentreasures.com/startmybook/) reflecting their stories.
Thursday, March 9

Celebrate My! Style

Students and staff are encouraged to wear clothing that represents their cultural heritage, including the colors of the flag of their country of origin or citizenship.

Friday, March 10

At My Table

Host a cooking festival! Try a food from another country. 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 https://createmycookbook.com/home_family_alt. Use the cookbooks as a school-wide fundraiser.