Young students at Sibley and Lakeview Elementary schools got a taste of the Japanese culture Thursday as a part of the multicultural programs developed at the schools.

Friday, December 10, 1999

Young students at Sibley and Lakeview Elementary schools got a taste of the Japanese culture Thursday as a part of the multicultural programs developed at the schools.

Lakeview principal David Paschka said that the school tries to put together programs of this type about three times a year. Earlier in the Fall, a Latin-American family made a presentation to the elementary students including dance, music and language. The musical family members sang to the students in English, Spanish and the Incan dialect, Paschka said.

On Thursday, the students had the opportunity to see Masaji, a Japanese performer who has performed at Epcot Center and the International Peace Conference. He specializes in juggling, magic, umbrella and stick balancing and Amesaiku, a candy-making art that is over 2,000 years old.

&uot;How many countries are there in the world?&uot; Masaji asked. He carried a soft, fabric globe to show the children. &uot;There are over 200. Lots of people to try to get along with,&uot; he said.

As part of his performance, Masaji made candy pieces shaped as birds, dragons and horses. The candy statues will be displayed in the school display case, Paschka said.

The principal said the programs are usually booked a year in advance and are funded by parent-teacher organizations through fund raisers. Masaji performed four times at a cost of $1,000.

&uot;There is no cost to the school district,&uot; Paschka said. &uot;The parents and teachers agree to put these things together for the educational growth of the children.&uot;

In years past, the schools have invited writers, poets, environmentalists and many others to give workshops and presentations to the students. A year ago, a expert animal handler was invited to the school to explain how animal behavior is often similar to that of humans, Paschka said.

Next week the students are giving their own multi-cultural performances for their families sometime next week, the principal said. Performance times will be announced.

The presentation will be given by the second grade and will include music, rhythm and dance, Paschka said.

&uot;We’re the only school that gives performance level programs in this age group for parents and families,&uot; Paschka said.