Global Cultures Celebration

With this weekend’s Seahawks win and advancing in the playoffs, we’re shifting the GCC start time to noon so everyone can enjoy both the GCC festivities and the big game!

Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
NEW Time: 12-2 p.m.
Location: The Little School

12 p.m. Arrival and Welcome message    
12:15 p.m. TLS Choir, 4-5th grade, and Drum &Dance performances 
1 p.m. Potluck & socialize     
2 p.m. Event ends

Parking at TLS is limited. To reduce our carbon footprint and maximize parking space, please consider carpooling. Let’s take advantage of the opportunity to connect with others and actively live out our mission towards sustainability.

Upon arrival, TLS parking monitors will help you find a parking spot at TLS or direct you to one of our Event Overflow parking lots:

• Overlake Specialty School, 2610 116th Ave NE
• Buchan Homes, 2630 116th Ave NE

Please note: Overflow lots are only open during event hours. They are not available at other times—including school hours, weekdays, weekends or other events—unless specifically indicated. Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly!

We encourage you to dress in attire that makes you feel the most celebrated!

For some, this might mean wearing traditional clothing worn during cultural celebrations or seasonal observances. For others, this might mean wearing something that feels meaningful to you, such as a necklace passed down through generations or a special outfit.

Please also dress comfortably and in layers, as the event will take place both indoors and outdoors.

Musical Performances

• Performances will begin promptly, so please arrive on time.
• Performers should meet at the following locations:
  • Choir students: Music Room (immediately upon arrival)
  • 4th and 5th grade students: Assigned performance seats
  • Drum & Dance Club: will meet in their assigned performance seats.  

Attendees 

• Check in at the entrance to the Rivers Building.
• Dedicated staff will help you find a suitable spot for your food.
• Blank food cards will be available if needed.

To make this event a safe and fun experience, we would appreciate your support with the following: 

• Provide attentive supervision for your child(ren) throughout the event. Please note that other buildings and Rivers hallways will remain closed. Thank you for being mindful of our shared spaces and helping us ensure that our teaching spaces are ready for school on Monday. 

• Offer assistance when needed. If you notice someone who needs help - whether it’s finding a chair, getting a table, carrying food, or accessing utensils and napkins - please offer to lend a hand. Small gestures make a big difference in creating an inviting experience for everyone.

• Let a staff member know if you are bringing foods containing nuts. To support community members with allergies, foods containing nuts will be located in or near the Environmental Education Room.

• Do not mix serving utensils. Families are encouraged to bring their own serving utensils to prevent cross-contamination, especially for those with food sensitivities or allergies. If a serving utensil is needed, please notify a staff member. 

Thank you for keeping our gathering safe for everyone! 

Wondering how to share your family’s culture, heritage or traditions? As you and your family prepare for the event, reflect on questions like: 

Early Childhood through 2nd Grade: 

• What does your family celebrate, and how?  
• What elements in your gatherings feel important and why? (E.g. Values, beliefs, norms, symbols, language, rituals)  
• What does your family appreciate about school, family or friend celebrations?   
• How does your family invite or show care for others during celebrations with large gatherings?  

3rd through 5th Grade: 

• How has culture shaped our identities across time and space? 
• How can we empower each other to reflect on, learn and advocate for ourselves and others? 
• What aspects of our backgrounds and cultures have you observed coming together? 
• What happens to music or art when its people migrate? 

1. Will the musical performances be recorded and shared? 

Yes, the musical performances will be recorded, and both photos and recordings will be shared with the TLS community on password-protected platforms after the event. Stay tuned through Happenings!  

2. How can we share information about recipes or restaurants with each other? 

Attendees can choose to include their contact information on their food cards. If you encounter food that resonates with you, snap a photo of its corresponding food card and reach out to the person listed.

3. Where are the food and dining stations?

Check the map below for all food and dining locations. Please note that seating is mostly chairs, without tables.