Exhibit FAQs

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Can I get a copy of the Parents Orientation meeting notes?

This year's Parents Orientation is coming soon.  To see last year's notes, please click here.

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Who are the organizers of this event?
The Chairperson for the Rutledge International Fair is a parent volunteer.  This person coordinates logistics and other requirements with the School Principal.   The Chairperson also coordinates schedules with volunteers and is typically the go-to person for questions regarding the event.

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How are the countries set up?
The exhibits for each country are mostly done by parent volunteers.  There are also some Rutledge teachers who choose to present countries in the exhibit.  Each country will be handled by a team, each team may have one or more members. 

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How does a country get included in the exhibit?
Each parent will choose which country they would like to introduce or discuss with the students.

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When and where are the exhibits done?
The Rutledge International Fair runs for two consecutive days inside the school. 

The event usually runs on a Thursday and Friday.
Each country will be assigned a room and a particular day, so will be on exhibit for one day only.
Each day will see a different set of countries.  

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How are room assignments determined?
Exhibit location will be in rooms within the school. 
The school determines which rooms will be available for use throughout the two days.
Room assignments will be determined based on the number of countries and the activities per country. 
Room numbers will be announced shortly before the event.

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Is the fair open throughout the whole day, or does it happen after school hours?
The fair starts at 8:30 am and ends at 2:30 pm.  Volunteers need to be ready by 8:30am to receive the first visiting class and present the country.

 

What is the schedule to set up and tear down the exhibits?
Setup may be done at the end of the school day before your assigned date; OR in the morning of the event when the school doors open.  Tear down is at 2:30pm on the assigned date. 
One room will be assigned to two countries:  one country will set up and tear down on the first day; the second country will set up and tear down on the second day.

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Do the kids have a schedule on when they can visit each country? 
Each grade level is given a timeframe wherein they can visit the countries. 
For example, Pre-K would visit from 8:30am to 9:30am; 2nd Grade would visit from 9:30am to 10:45am; etc.
The schedule for this year will be as follows:

8:30 -10 – Kindergarten

8:30 -10 - 1st Grade

10 - 11:45 - 3rd Grade

10 - 11:45 - 5th Grade

1- 2:30 - 2nd Grade

1- 2:30 - 4th Grade 

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What can we expect from student visits?
Each class would visit a country for about 15 minutes. 

The usual presentation is a discussion of facts followed by a hands on activity.
You may find the 4th and 5th graders taking notes and asking more questions. 
Younger students may want less time for discussion and be more excited about hands on activities.

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I have heard a lot about student passports.  What are those?
Each student is given a passport before the fair.  The passport has all the countries included in the exhibit. 
Some students use their passport for note taking. 

 

Are there any pictures from previous years' events?
Yes, click here for pictures from previous years' events.

 

Volunteer FAQs

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I would like to volunteer.  What do I need to do?
The first step is to get approved by the district as a volunteer.

Renewal or New Registration can be done via the on-line form here

 

The approval process usually takes 2 weeks.
Volunteers are approved on a year-to-year basis. 

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My volunteer application has been approved by the District for this School Year.  What do I do next?

Awesome!  The next step is to sign up for a country.

 

I would like to volunteer.  How many hours are required for this event?
We ask volunteers to commit to a whole day as much as possible.

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I would like to volunteer.  But my availability is limited to half a day. 
We will work with you to make it happen.  Let us know ahead of time so we can team you up with a group.    

 

Is there a lunch break for volunteers?
Volunteers will have lunch together. (TBD, usually at the library)
It is usually from 12 to 1pm and is provided by the Rutledge Elementary PTA.  (Thank you PTA!)

 

I already signed up for a country.  What do I need to bring?
Bring your presentation materials.  Items such as Posters, pictures, indigenous products and materials, native costumes, a flag of the country. Although not required, these items are useful and help to capture the imagination of young students and inspire inquisitive minds.

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Can I bring food samples?
Yes, food samples are usually a hit with students!  Food is allowed as long as they are nut-free to avoid allergy issues.
The school has a student population of about 800 students.  Remember to bring a lot of samples to make sure you don't run out!
Some examples from previous years: banana chips, dried fruit, crackers, exotic chips, rice cakes, bulgogi, chutney, etc.

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Can I show a video with my exhibit?
Yes, videos are a definite plus.  You will need to bring the device that will run the video.  It would also help if you can bring the cables needed to plug into the projectors.  Projectors are available and provided by the school as necessary.  The school has HDMI and VGA cables as well.

 

Can you give me an idea of how to set up the exhibit?
You will have complete creative freedom. Design your booth and present the country and its culture as you see fit.

Here are some examples from previous years exhibits:
    posters on the sides
    the country's flag and colors
    native exhibits
    food samples
    bindi placement

    tortilla making
    Papel Picado
    cultural dance
    children's games

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I heard about some volunteers in costumes.  What was that like?
Yes some volunteers wear the native costumes of the country they are presenting.  It is not required, but adds to the cultural feel of the room.  Lots of students have a more visual way of learning and would benefit from it.

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I have a student (or two) in Rutledge.  Can they help me with the exhibit?
Absolutely!  Last year, some students were in native costumes and were the Lead Presenters for some countries. 
If the students are ready and able to participate, then the parents can coordinate with their homeroom teacher about presenting for the country they choose.

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Are there any required touch points for each country's exhibit?
We ask that basic information be shared about the country:
   currency
   language
   continent
   capital

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What is the class visiting schedule on the days of the exhibit?

8:30 -10 – Kindergarten
8:30 -10 - 1st Grade
10 - 11:45 - 3rd Grade
10 - 11:45 - 5th Grade
1- 2:30 - 2nd Grade
1- 2:30 - 4th Grade

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