ADVISORY/White Oaks Elementary Transforms into Denmark on May 7, 2004.

News Editors/Education Writers

ADVISORY...Friday (May 7)

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2004

Media invited to 28th annual Cultural Arts Day, to offer virtual

tour of Denmark to promote appreciation of other cultures and customs

Once again, White Oaks Elementary will offer a full day of total immersion into another country, as it has for 28 years - this year, Denmark -- in order to help students learn about and appreciate other cultures. Media and politicians are cordially invited to this popular, highly visual event to experience a 'smorgasbord' of music, dancing, customs, crafts, and food of Denmark, today, Friday, May 7, 2004 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. The White Oaks school is located at 1901 White Oak Way, San Carlos, California. Please call [phone] for more details, an update on event times, a guided tour, or an interview principal, Betty Casey and/or the event coordinators.

"These annual events are one of the most popular programs here at White Oaks because students can, for a day, live like people in another country. We feel there's no better way to help children embrace and respect other cultures and customs than by 'living' them," according to Betty Casey, principal of White Oaks. "They'll wear indigenous dress, eat Danish smorgasbord, read Danish literature, sing songs, witness performances by the Fresno Danish Dancers and their band (the Great Danes), engage in Danish art and crafts, and much more. And the most remarkable thing of all: this annual event has been run the past 28 years completely by parent volunteers - in fact, we have more than 100 helpers this year doing everything from cooking and serving food to reading Danish stories and assembling and providing tours of the museum, and much more."

This visually colorful event will offer plenty of photo opportunities, from students and faculty dressed in traditional Danish attire, an authentic Danish dance troupe, a museum featuring Danish art and artifacts, and much more. Come check out the following events (most events run throughout the day, except where indicated; feel free to call the phone number above the day of the event to get more specific timing updates):

-- The Fresno Danish Dancers, with their band The Great Danes,

will perform at 11:25 a.m. and 1:25 p.m.

-- 1:15 - Room 8: Loretta Litke of the Danish Sisterhood of San

Francisco will teach children how to do tablet weaving to make

friendship bracelets on small looms in Viking tradition. She

will be there throughout the day in other areas, giving

demonstrations.

-- Eva Kumini, Consular Officer from the Royal Danish Consulate

of San Francisco, will talk with students about Danish

political affairs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

-- Seven Bay Area Danes will visit classrooms throughout the day

to share their stories of Denmark. This includes a Danish

exchange student coming all the way down from Penngrove to

share her experiences. If you'd like a specific time that

she'll be there, please call 759 1265.

-- A museum will feature Danish cultural icons, art, and

artifacts

-- A traveling smorgasbord will deliver Danish kringle, cheeses,

open-faced sandwiches and more; media are encouraged to sample

the food.

-- Students will engage in various Danish crafts, including

traditional paper cutting - called papirklip -and make 3-D

Viking ships and more

-- Danish storytelling: parents will read Danish folk and fairy

tales in classrooms such as Hiccup the Seasick Viking, The

Ugly Duckling, and The Yellow Star.

-- Throughout the day, classrooms will broadcast Danish music,

from classical and folk to modern pop tunes

-- Students will be attired in traditional Danish costume

-- The Dannebrog - flag of Denmark - will fly under the United

States and California flags all day

Leading up to the event, teachers will focusing on various elements of Danish literature and history. White Oaks' physical education teacher, Mrs. Gray, will teach a special ball sport, called Danish Rounders, during PE time while the music teacher, Mrs. Fillips, will teach Danish folks songs. White Oaks pupils will also have exchanged "pen pal" letters with children from schoolchildren in Denmark to help understand daily life in there.

We hope to see you there!

Editor's note: for a map, detailed schedule of events, VIP tour, interview with White Oaks principal Betty Casey, directions, photo ops, food samples or any other information, contact: Lori Evans at 650 759 1265; email: [e-mail].