International FESTIVal is January 29, 2026

The NHE International Festival is Thursday, January 29th! The festival is an all-day school experience at NHE. The school is transformed into a cultural melting pot! The festival features international entertainment, the beloved Parade of Nations, country/culture tables showcased by our own NHE families and more! At the NHE International Festival, all NHE students can interact with people from different cultures and gain a better understanding of their beliefs and experiences. This can help create a sense of belonging for students and ensure a more unified community. The NHE International Festival is a great way to help our students create and build an atmosphere of acceptance and belonging where every student's unique culture is appreciated.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Parade of Nations 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM

Students dressed in traditional clothing reflective of their country will parade the NHE halls for all to see! Parents are invited to attend the parade.

SIGN UP FOR PARADE OF NATIONS

Showcase Tables hosted by NHE families 8:50 AM - 2:15 PM

Parents are invited to showcase their country or culture by hosting a table! Parent-hosted showcase tables will be set-up within their corresponding continent in the library. All NHE students will have the opportunity to explore each table. The country/culture table showcase will take place in two sessions; 8:50 AM - 11:15 AM and 11:45 AM - 2:15 PM. You can choose to sign up for one or both sessions. The grades will explore the festival tables during their special’s time. We request an adult be present at all times. A map of the festival grounds will be sent prior to the event so parents know where to set-up. More details to come.

Want to host a country/culture table?

SIGN UP TO HOST A TABLE

Taste Around the World (Student’s snack time)

Want to share your country/culture food? Families are invited to send an international dish that reflects their own culture at home to share with your child’s class during their snack time. Be on the lookout for more information from your child’s classroom!

HOSTING A COUNTRY/CULTURE TABLE

STEP 1: Decide what country/culture you would like to represent. Reach out to family or friends to help you host. Multiple families representing the same country/culture are encouraged to work together on a table.
STEP 2: Register to host a table with your country/culture.
STEP 3: Register as an NHE volunteer. Register a couple of weeks before the festival Click here to register on the SBISD website.
STEP 4: Plan your student experience!

Here are a few helpful ideas and tips to help make your table memorable!

Please have your table set up/ready to go by the session time! If you are interested in signing up/joining a table, the deadline is January 23rd! 

International Festival Showcase Country/Culture Table Participation Guidelines:
1. Tables Provided: NHE will provide one (1) table per country.
2. Display Items: Displays should focus on celebrating your country’s culture — think music, food, flags, fashion, language, sports, well known industry, fun facts and more.
3. Activity: Include an activity at your table. Students love a game to play or something to do at your table.
4. Passports: Each student will be given a passport. You will give them a sticker once they have explored your table. The stickers will be provided by the school.
5. Team Effort: If multiple families sign up for the same country, we’ll contact you to encourage pairing you together to create one amazing table.
6. Dress the Part: We encourage you to dress in cultural attire and get the kids — and the whole family — involved!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How will the day look if I decide to host a table? The tables will be set up by continent in the library. There will be two sessions available to showcase your table. 8:50 AM - 11:15 PM and 11:50 AM - 2:15 PM. You may sign up for one or both sessions. The students will travel through the ‘festival grounds’ to your table at their designated specials time.

What time does the country/culture table showcase begin? The country/culture showcase event will take place from 8:50 AM - 2:15 PM.

Where do I set up my table? A map of the festival grounds and more information will be sent prior to the event so you know where to set-up in the library. Make sure you check in with the front desk to get your badge.

What if I want to provide food from my culture? Food will not be at the booths. You can send in a bite size food sample for the student’s to taste. The students will sample the food during their snack time.

Contact Stephanie Balash, VP of Arts and Education at artsandedu@nottinghampta.org for questions.