Salmonberry School invites the community to attend a day-long teach-in on Buddhism, Tibet and peace on Friday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the conference room in the Orcas Public Library. Over the course of this special day, Salmonberry students in grades 4-6 will be creating a sand mandala they have designed just for the occasion. Guest speakers will drop in to share slides and stories of trips they have taken in the Himalayas as well as their understanding and practice of Buddhism and the promotion of world peace.

Salmonberry’s Head of School Paul Freedman explained, “This year more than others it has felt imperative to dedicate our integrated thematic studies to learning about, appreciating and understanding cultures and belief systems from around the world. We are hoping to cultivate in our students a deep sense of kinship and connection to all people, even those, or perhaps especially those, which we struggle to fully understand.”

This fall the Salmonberry students have completed a study of Hinduism and Nepal, which included cooking foods from the region, practicing art, listening to music and stories, learning games, as well as studying the history, culture and religious traditions of this region. Future studies will include a cultural immersion in the Middle East, and an exploration of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. These yearlong studies are augmented by curriculum and resources provided by The World Affairs Council of Oregon’s Global and Multicultural Resource Center.

Salmonberry School invites the Orcas community to stop by, have a cup of chai and offer support for the kids who are working hard to envision and create a world of tolerance and acceptance. At the conclusion of the event, at 3 p.m., the sand mandala will be dismantled and the nontoxic sand will be ceremoniously dispersed in the ocean, releasing thoughts and hopes for peace throughout the world.