FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
You want to participate but don't know how? Or you just want to learn more about the event. Well you came to the right place!
1
What is HeritageFest?
HeritageFest celebrates our dedication to meeting the needs of all learners and fostering a sense of unity and understanding among our students, staff, and families. We are excited to announce that, for the first time, HeritageFest will be a two-day event.
2
When is HeritageFest?
May 8, 6-8 PM and May 9, during school hours.
On Thursday, May 8, from 6-8 PM, friends and families are invited to explore exhibits and watch performances. This portion is similar to the Science Fair. Students are invited to create and share an exhibit about their family's country of origin or cultural heritage. They can be creative, but in the past, many students used a tri-fold or poster board. Please take a look at our gallery page for photos of last year’s exhibits. In addition to the exhibits, students and families are invited to enjoy a variety of cultural performances.
​
On Friday, May 9, students will visit the exhibits with their classes. There will be no performances on Friday, and only students, teachers, and parent chaperones will be allowed.
This is an HSA event, and Ridge School staff will not be supervising children. Please ensure you supervise your children and help maintain a clean and safe environment.
3
Who can attend HeritageFest?
Any Ridge student, family or friends. We were delighted that it was a multigenerational event and encourage this year’s participants to invite grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends to join us for an exciting event.
4
Where is HeritageFest?
HeritageFest exhibits will be in the hallways at Ridge and the performances will take place in the gymnasium, on stage.
EXHIBITS
5
What kind of exhibit should my family create?
Last year, many students used a tri-fold board to showcase important facts about their
country or heritage. Please take a look at our gallery page for inspiration. In addition to
tri-fold boards, we loved seeing flags, dolls, rugby balls, books, stickers, clothing, and
other cultural items. Families are welcome to wear cultural attire, flag-inspired colors, or
notable accessories. Creativity is encouraged!
We encourage creativity. If you have a new idea, we welcome it. If you are concerned that it might be too outside the box, email us at heritageatridge@gmail.com and we are happy to discuss it with you.
Please make sure your child's exhibit and any related items are clearly labeled with their name and teacher. Exhibits will be unsupervised, so we recommend leaving valuable or irreplaceable items at home. Instead, consider including a photo of priceless family heirlooms.
6
Where can I buy a tri-fold board?
We are unable to provide tri-fold boards for every family. They are usually available at Michaels, Target, or Dollar Tree. If you have trouble finding one, please email us at heritageatridge@gmail.com, and we’ll do our best to help.
7
When and where do I drop off my family’s exhibit?
Thursday, May 8, from 4-5 PM. Please arrive promptly and check in upon arrival. Projects will be displayed on tables lining the hallways of Ridge. Signage and volunteers will direct you to your assigned table.
Tables will be assigned by continent. Each family will have half of a standard-sized folding table (about 3 feet). We have a limited number of tables, so please stay within your assigned space. Also, note that we cannot guarantee access to a power outlet.
8
When and where do I pick up my family’s display?
Friday, May 9, from 3-4 PM. Please pick up your child’s display immediately after school. If there is any mess near your display, kindly clean it up. Trash bags will be placed throughout the hallways.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PROJECT AT SCHOOL, as we do not have the staff to clean up or dispose of large displays.
9
Can we bring food?
Yes! Food is a great way to share your heritage with the Ridge community.
We ask that you bring at least 25 individually wrapped portions (more is always welcome!). No hot foods are permitted—food must be safe to eat at room temperature.
We will provide a simple form, as required by the Village of Ridgewood. If you need assistance, we’re happy to help. You will also need to provide an ingredient list for your food items.
10
Do we need to do anything to our project before leaving on Thursday evening?
Before heading home, please check that your display is set up as you'd like it to appear for the Friday class visits.
11
Can we work in groups?
Each family is expected to create one display. If you have children in multiple grades, they can work together on the same display.
If you’d like to feature multiple heritages, you’re welcome to do so! However, please note that we cannot provide more than 3 feet of table space per family.
If you'd like to collaborate with another family on a shared display, please email us at
heritageatridge@gmail.com.
PERFORMANCES
1 2
What kind of performances will be featured?
We have confirmed a variety of performers, from Irish dancers to a tae kwon do demonstration.
Children are encouraged to wear traditional clothing, an athletic jersey, or a special outfit representing their heritage. There will be a short parade on stage to showcase these outfits.
If your child can sing your country’s national anthem, recite a poem, or perform something meaningful, we’d love to feature them! Email heritageatridge@gmail.com with your idea.
13
What time are the performances?
We are still finalizing the schedule, but performances will begin around 6:30 PM.
14
How long are the performances?
Each performance is planned for about 10 minutes. If you have an idea for a performance of a different length, please reach out to us—we can be flexible!
FRIDAY DAYTIME EVENT
15
Who can attend on Friday?
Only students, teachers, and parent chaperones will be allowed on Friday.
If your family cannot attend Thursday evening, your Ridge students will still be able to view the displays during school hours on Friday. If you’d like to attend with your child, please sign up to be a class chaperone.
16
Who can chaperone?
We are looking for 3-5 parent chaperones per class to assist students in viewing the displays. Sign-up details will be shared soon.
17
Do I need to bring more food if it’s all gone on Thursday?
No. Additional food is not required for the Friday in-school exhibit tour.
18
Does my child have to stay with their display?
No, students are not required to present their projects or remain with their displays. However, they are encouraged to share what they’ve learned with classmates!