International Day
Each year, the Montessori Academy of North Hoffman community comes together to celebrate International Day—a joyful and meaningful event that honors the diversity, creativity, and cultural curiosity of our students and families. This special day showcases the richness of global traditions through music, dance, art, and student-led performances, embodying the Montessori value of global citizenship.
Join us Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9:30am
NEW THIS YEAR: Families will use one simple digital form to RSVP and sign up to bring a dish. The form is simple to fill out, and includes a spot to list the number of people in your group/family so we can prepare a welcoming celebration for everyone.
If you plan to stay for the International Feast, please bring food to share based on your group size:
1–4 people: ONE 10” x 12” inch pan
5–8 people: TWO pans
9+ people: THREE pans
Details on bringing a dish are provided below. Thank you for helping us set a generous table for our whole community!
Event Details
SCHEDULE
8:30am – Doors Open
8:30am–9:15am – Food Drop-off
9:30am – Cultural Dances
10:45am – International Feast & Art Showcase
*Times subject to change
LOCATION
Willow Creek Community Church (Tap map to enlarge) 67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington, IL
PARKING & ENTRANCE
Enter from Barrington Road, and turn left toward the Activity Center. (If entering from Algonquin Road, drive around the church to reach Lot F.)
Park in Lot F, and enter Door F.
Drop off food in the Atrium and proceed to the Lakeside Auditorium.
What to Expect
CULTURAL DANCES
9:30am • Lakeside Auditorium
Each class performs a traditional dance on stage from a culture that they researched. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about different cultures and share their experiences with the community.
Student Arrival: All students should arrive dressed and ready to perform. Teachers will provide details ahead of the event.
BEFORE your child’s dance: Families should proceed to the Lakeside Auditorium to find seats together. At 9:15am, an announcement will be made for students to join their class in the auditorium.
AFTER your child’s dance: parents are encouraged to stand so their child can easily locate you and join you for the remainder of the event.
INTERNATIONAL FEAST
10:45am • Atrium
Our potluck-style feast is a highlight of the event, where families bring a dish representing their cultural background to share with the community. After the performances, we will exit the auditorium into the Atrium for the feast. Vegetarian and meat options will be available, along with dessert. Please supervise children at all times during the meal.
ART EXHIBITION & AUCTION
Open Throughout Event • Atrium
Visit the atrium to experience a gallery of student artwork celebrating cultures across North America. Each piece reflects student exploration and creativity, inspired by architecture, artists, landmarks, traditions, and everyday life throughout the region. On the Atrium stage is a beautiful collaborative painting created by our students for auction. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms, the canvas was divided into small squares so each child could carefully paint a section, symbolizing hope and new life.
Food Sign-Up & Drop-Off
FOOD SIGN-UP
NEW THIS YEAR: Families will use one simple digital form to RSVP and sign up to bring a dish. The form is simple to fill out, and includes a spot to list the number of people in your group so we can prepare a welcoming celebration for everyone.
PLEASE BRING FOOD TO SHARE BASED ON YOUR GROUP SIZE:
1–4 people: ONE 10” x12” inch pan
5–8 people: TWO pans
9+ people: THREE pansIf you are bringing more than one pan, you may prepare the same dish in each or list different dishes on the form.
The deadline to RSVP your group and to sign up for food is Friday, March 6, 2026.
On March 9, students will bring home 10” x 12” disposable aluminum containers with a label card for your dish.
FOOD DROP-OFF
Please complete the included label card and bring it with your dish. Dishes must be covered tightly in foil and include a disposable serving utensil.
There are no facilities to reheat food, so please plan accordingly.
On the event day, drop off your dish between 8:30am and 9:15am at the MANH Food Drop-Off Area near Door F at the Atrium entrance.
