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Wildcat World Fest: Celebrating Our School’s Culture and Community

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Our recent World Fest was an unparalleled success, and we can hardly wait to take you through the highlights of this unforgettable event. Wildcat families led this galvanizing celebration, showcasing the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and heritages of our community through food, performances, and activities.

A Feast for the Senses
World Fest’s crowning component and main attraction was a bountiful buffet of foods from around the globe. 

In addition to the feast of flavors, our fabulous lunch partner Butter Beans hosted a sushi-making.

Exploring the World Through Culture

But the fun didn’t stop with food! Attendees were treated to interactive experiences like Masala Bhangra dance lessons, a bindis and bangles table, and even workshops on Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting. Performances of Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) and piano playing highlighted the talent of our student body as well. All of these activities plus the display tables were a fantastic opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions in a hands-on way.

A Celebration of Our Diverse Community

One of the most heartwarming aspects of World Fest was seeing the incredible diversity of our Wildcat community represented. We were thrilled to have families share their heritage from countries and regions including China, the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Israel, Jamaica, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and more.

Building Bridges and Looking Forward

World Fest was more than just a fun event; it was a celebration of the rich tapestry that makes our school community so unique. Staff, students, and families came together to share their cultures, build bridges of understanding, and create lasting memories. The buzz is already building for next year’s World Fest! Our families are brimming with fantastic ideas to make this event even bigger and better. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this cherished tradition.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Wildcat Family Committee, every single family, student, and staff member who participated, and all the parents who worked tirelessly to bring back this amazing event for the first time since 2020. Your dedication, effort, and commitment to this event was impressive and highly appreciated!

Considering joining our Wildcat family? World Fest is just a glimpse of the vibrant and inclusive community we’ve fostered here. We invite you to explore our website, visit our school, or contact our Admissions team to learn more about what makes our school so special.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings. 

Celebrating Our Global Heritage: A Look at International Day

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International Day at our BASIS Independent Fremont Lower School is an inspiring and vibrant celebration attended by over 800 enthusiastic students, staff, and family members. This special event brought together our diverse community to honor and showcase the rich cultural tapestry of our world, featuring representations from 12 countries across every continent. From singing in a multitude of languages to sharing fascinating tales of global heroes, the day was a beautiful reflection of our commitment to valuing the arts, people, and diversity.

Valuing the Arts
The highlight of BASIS Independent Fremont Lower School’s International Day was the incredible artistic expression of our students. They took to the stage with captivating dramas, delving into the heart of different cultures and bringing their stories to life. Each performance was a journey into a new world, filled with unique customs and traditions. The melodies of over a dozen languages filled the air as students sang songs from their represented countries, creating a harmonious blend of global music. Our school’s corridors turned into an art gallery, displaying vibrant art pieces that represented each country’s essence. These creations were not just displays of talent but also of deep respect and understanding of the diverse cultures that make up our world.

Valuing Each Other
At the core of International Day is the celebration of people who have shaped the cultures of the world. Students embarked on a journey of discovery, learning about significant figures from their chosen countries. They created engaging projects, from biographies of historical heroes to tales of mythical beings, each telling a story of human achievement and imagination. These projects were shared with other students and parents, fostering a sense of connection and admiration for the people who have contributed to our global society.

Valuing Diversity
The essence of International Day is the celebration of diversity. It is a day when the vastness and variety of the human experience are on full display. From cultural contributions and scientific accomplishments to the unique landscapes and languages of different regions, the event was a vivid reminder of the richness of our world. Music from different continents echoed throughout, and discussions about the diverse ways people live, think, and create fostered a deeper appreciation and understanding among our community.

International Day was more than just a day of celebration; it was a meaningful exploration of the world’s cultures, a testament to our school’s commitment to multicultural understanding and respect. As we move forward, the memories and lessons from this day will continue to inspire us to embrace and celebrate the diversity that makes our world so wonderfully complex.

We look forward to each year’s International Day, where we will once again come together to celebrate our global heritage and the unifying beauty of our diverse world.

Learn more about student life at BASIS Independent Fremont here.

BASIS Independent Fremont is a grades TK-12 private school based in Fremont, California, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum.

New York, New Adventures

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New York City is not just a place; it’s an experience. It teaches us about diversity, culture, and the endless possibilities that lie within each individual. To provide a glimpse into the heart of this metropolis, instilling in the students a sense of wonder, BASIS Independent Fremont sent 5th and 6th graders on a trip of a lifetime.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
Our day began with a ferry ride to the storied Ellis Island, a gateway to the dreams and aspirations of millions of immigrants seeking a new life in America. As we set foot on this historic island, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence. Our students embraced the opportunity to step into the shoes of those who paved the way for our diverse nation.

Next, we set sail towards the radiant Lady Liberty herself, standing tall as a symbol of freedom and enlightenment. The sight of her majestic figure against the backdrop of the New York City skyline left our students breathless. We marveled at the intricacy of her design and the power of her message.

Madison Square Garden
Our day began with a visit to the iconic Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena! The excitement was palpable as we stepped into this legendary sports and entertainment venue. We embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour led by knowledgeable guides who shared fascinating facts about the Garden’s rich history. From the breathtaking sports moments to legendary concerts, our students were transported through time, feeling the energy that has permeated this iconic space. We even had the chance to stand on the hallowed ground where basketball, hockey, and music legends have left their mark.

Coney Island
We then headed towards the sunny shores of Coney Island. As we arrived, the students were greeted by delicious treats and colorful rides stretching as far as the eye could see. The Ferris wheel offered breathtaking views of the ocean and the vibrant hustle and bustle of the boardwalk. We savored iconic Coney Island foods like hot dogs and cotton candy, creating memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.

Rockefeller Center: Where Dreams Take Center Stage
Next on our itinerary was the iconic Rockefeller Center, which was brimming with excitement and energy. The kids were captivated by the golden statue of Prometheus and the famous skating rink. We marveled at the impressive art installations that dot the area. In the evening, after dinner, the view from the Top of the Rock observation deck left us all breathless, with panoramic vistas of the sprawling city below.

Fifth Avenue: A Shopper’s Paradise
The glamorous Fifth Avenue is known as a shopper’s paradise. The kids’ eyes widened as we strolled past flagship stores, such as FAO Schwarz, LEGO, and Nintendo. We also admired the elegant architecture and stunning window displays that adorned the street. Central Park, with its lush greenery, served as a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

As the trip drew to a close, we couldn’t help but reflect on the magical moments we experienced together. Our adventure through The Big Apple was not just about sightseeing; it was a journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration. The children gained a deeper appreciation not only for the vibrant city they were exploring but for the large world that remains to be discovered.

BASIS Independent Fremont is a grades TK-12 private school based in Fremont, California, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum.