Our seventh graders celebrated World Language Day on March 20, taking part in activities that were far removed from a typical day in their language classes. The purpose of the day was to explore the rich diversity of Philadelphia and to bring to campus local talents representing Spanish and French language and culture. The invited guests — artists, musicians and athletes — led hands-on workshops. The students also watched films and ate community meals.

Among the afternoon workshops was a salsa-dancing class in the Black Box Theatre. As lively music played, world champion salsa dancer Jose Luis Maldonado taught two rows of seventh graders a combination of quick steps. “No need to struggle,” he told them. “Have fun with it.”