Local Community Resources List

Rowe Sanctuary

Rowe Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Platter River near Gibbon, Nebraska. The migration of Sandhill Cranes through this region every spring brings thousands of global visitors every year. However, Rowe offers many more opportunities than viewing sandhill cranes. Students can study the fall monarch migration, native plants, and ecosystems. For Spanish teachers, the monarch migration provides an excellent cross-content opportunity to Día de los Muertos and the symbolism of monarchs during the holiday.

Kearney Sister Cities

Kearney Sister Cities is an organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding between Kearney, Nebraska and communities across the globe. Currently they are partnered with Opava Czech Republic and Dourados, Brazil. One of their goals to have engaging, educational activities that celebrate international friendships. Consider reaching out to them to implement a pen pal system or inter-school exchange. Social studies teachers could also do a comparative geography lesson.

University of Nebraska at Kearney

UNK Global is part of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Though its primary mission is to assist international students that come to the university, UNK Global is also a great resource for connecting cultures. Every year they host an International Foods Fair during which international students provide samples of their favorite home foods. There are also performances of cultural highlights. The event draws hundreds of people. Consider connecting UNK Global to your classroom by inviting an international student to stop by and speak with your students and perhaps showcase something they are proud of from their culture. Or encourage your students to attend a language table. Anyone is able to attend a language table and talk with a number of native speakers from various countries.