JHop scholars recently got a chance to learn about different cultural heritages at the 51st St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society or SPIFFS.
Spanish teacher Dr. Elena Rissler has hosted this field trip for three years. She said the purpose is to expose students to a variety of cultures.
“This activity represents a special culture,” she said. “At SPIFFS they are offering the idea that [students] use one day [for] more than 26 countries’ cultures.”
“Every country has not only culture, they have things to say,” Dr. Rissler said.
Science teacher Ivo Decarlis said scholars were able to experience different traditions, food and languages.
“I learned about new cultures,” he said. “I was not expecting to see that many flags and that many stands from different cultures.”
And scholars weren’t the only ones getting some knowledge. Decarlis said he tried and liked German food and learned a little bit about German culture. He also appreciated having some familiar faces on the field trip.
“My favorite part of my trip was spending time with my old students that I don’t have this year anymore and to connect with them in a different way,” he said.
Eighth-grader Carlo Romero said he liked the trip because he got to spend time with friends and learn how different recipes are prepared.
“You got to see the process of how these people made food back in their home country and also learn about the culture,” he said.
