The Sunshine School, the Marcus JCC of Atlanta�s East Cobb Preschool, Hosted an International Festival

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s (MJCCA) award-winning East Cobb preschool, the Sunshine School, recently hosted its first International Festival. The children had an opportunity to learn about some of the other cultures/countries represented in their school including: Canada, India, Cuba, Spain, Russia, China, Korea, and South Africa. For more information, call 678.812.3720, or visit www.atlantajcc.org/preschool for information. 

Sunshine School Director Raye Lynn Banks explains, “The Sunshine School is an inclusive, welcoming preschool. We pride ourselves on modeling lessons of tolerance and acceptance, by embracing and showcasing the cultures of our preschool families.” Ms. Banks continues, “The International Festival was such a special experience for our school. We all learned a great deal about the traditions, games, songs, and food of many of our families. They, in turn, were so proud to show us where they came from and how they celebrate their heritage.”

Parent volunteers who took part in the International Festival created displays and presented games, stories, music, and other activities for the children to participate in. 

Dan Liu, a Sunshine School mom from China, helped put together a table representing China’s culture. Ms. Liu said, “We love the Sunshine School. There are children here from many different countries. They all get a great deal of cultural exposure. More than I’ve seen in other schools. My son, Leonard, was so proud to show off the elements of China that we all love at home.”  

Ms. Banks added, “A special highlight of the festival was that each child was able to take home an international passport. They were thrilled to go home and tell their families that they had travelled around the world, saw the sights of the various countries, played their games, heard their music, and tasted their traditional food, all without having to leave the school.”

About The Sunshine School 

The Sunshine School, one of the Marcus JCC’s two preschools, is located at Temple Kol Emeth, in Marietta. It has more than 60 years of expertise in early childhood learning; with a nationally-acclaimed, pluralistic, Jewish values curriculum, “An Ethical Start™”. The Sunshine School teachers are highly-trained, loving, and experienced professionals who guide children ages 1 year – 5 years through their exceptional program. Spaces are available for full- and half-day preschool camp and traditional preschool, for toddlers and preschoolers.

Contact Information

Call Raye Lynn Banks at 678.812.3714, or visit on-line at www.atlantajcc.org/preschool.