Quest Promotes Inclusion at International Night

Quest Charter Academy students and families took a trip around the world without having to leave the school gym.

The school recently held its third annual International Night, where classes display their projects focused on a country they selected from around the globe. Each grade level chose a country and classes in that grade were tasked with making one of three components for the evening: a brochure, a tri-fold poster, or a cuisine from their country.

While the presentations of each country only last one night, students work on their portions of the project for two months. Dean of Middle School Marlene Ghougassian Kazzi said older students are eager to use their creativity and all students love to participate.



This year’s event inspired a big turnout as the school welcomed 55 families. Participants were given a passport and earned a stamp each time they visited a new country. This sort of engaging activity encouraged everyone to see all of hard work students put in. Some parents have turned the annual event into tradition and keep every brochure from the evening. Kazzi even shared that parents want to participate with their own table and project next year.

She added that it’s a popular event because everyone feels included in the celebration.

“Every parent finds that sense of belonging,” Kazzi said. “We play music from different countries in different languages, and that creates an environment where everyone feels like they belong.”



It’s not only showing families the hard work their student is putting in, but International Night also builds on the partnership Quest has with its parents. Kazzi said these relationships with parents are crucial.

“We do nothing without parent partnership,” Kazzi said. “Building those positive relationships is the basis to move forward in our educational mission. If we don’t have a good relationship with families and don’t have their support, I think that make our job harder. That’s why making positive phone calls and hosting events like this are important.”

The event is also a great example of inclusion in action and is important in exemplifying diversity and community for students. New countries are chosen every year, so students are learning about a variety of countries throughout their time at Quest.



Kazzi said this learning process is eye opening for students.

“It’s important because they’re learning about the culture of these different places,” Kazzi said. “When they hear the music, eat the food, and see the projects, students are engaged. It helps them get out of their comfort zone and see what’s out there in the world.”

Thanks to this project, students are inspired to expand their horizons and have lots of fun in the process.



What a great event, Dean Kazzi! Keep up the great work, Quest!