LEAP Festival of the World Guidelines

Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Frank C Leal Elementary Quad
Allocated time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (may vary depending on the number of acts)

Cultural Tables Guidelines

As a reminder, since the LEAP Festival will take place at a public school, the following guidelines apply to all Cultural Tables

• Focus on Culture: Cultural Tables should represent a country and highlight its culture, including traditions, history, language, clothing, art, literature, music, or general way of life.

• No Religion or Politics: Religious representations, instruction, or materials promoting a specific religion are not allowed. Political content is also not permitted.

• Educational Purpose: Cultural Tables are for educational and informational purposes only.

• Items: Bring items significant to the country you are representing. Keep in mind that children may handle items, avoid breakables or valuable items if necessary.

• Food: Food must  not be sold at Cultural Tables. If you choose to offer free  food, it must be small, store-bought items only, no homemade foods. For allergy and liability reasons, please ensure that no food is given to a minor without the presence and permission of a parent or guardian.

• Age Appropriateness: Displays should be suitable for a school setting and appropriate for all ages.

Suggested Items: Maps, flags, clothing, pictures, jewelry, toys, dolls, games, posters, textiles.

Food Booth / Vendor Guidelines

Budget & Food Purchase:

• LEAP provides a budget for each food booth, with a maximum of $500 per booth this year. If more than one parent signs up to represent the same country, the budget will be shared among them. Selecting different menu items (such as food and desserts) does not change this arrangement unless a different plan is approved by LEAP Administration.

• All food must be purchased from a restaurant or approved vendor;homemade food is not allowed.

Order Size:

• Plan for approximately 80–100 servings. Pre-packaged plates are recommended but not required.

Menu & Costs:

• Share your planned items and costs with LEAP administration.

• LEAP Administration will set the prices and menu for the event

• This year, in order to support 6th grade parents, it has been decided that only 6th graders students will be allowed to sell bottled water, juice and sodas during the festival..

Transactions:

• All sales are conducted via tickets. Vendors/parents do not handle money.

• Any leftover food: consult LEAP for guidance on what to do.

Food, Utensils & Supplies Guidelines:

• Volunteers may need to purchase some items themselves. LEAP has a separate budget to help cover these costs, so please coordinate if needed.
  
  

• Suggested items include: Paper plates & small bowls/ Forks, spoons, napkins/ Table covers (colorful preferred)/ Large serving spoons & tongs

Timeline:

• 1 week before: Confirm order with restaurant

• 3–5 days before: Confirm volunteer availability (form will be sent)

Delivery Address (if applicable):
Leal Elementary School
12920 Droxford St, Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: 562-229-7880

Reimbursement:

• Retain all receipts. Submit them to LEAP after the event for reimbursement. Instructions can be found here

Donations:

• If you wish to donate all or part of the cost of the food to LEAP, please do not request reimbursement. Any donation, whether full or partial, is greatly appreciated and helps support LEAP activities that benefit the school. 

Performance Guidelines

• Event Date & Location: April 24, 2026, at the Leal Elementary Quad. Event time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (exact schedule depends on the number of acts).

• Performance Types: Students may perform vocal pieces, dance, or music (must be easily moved on and off stage). Individual performances are not allowed due to time constraints.

• Performance Length: 3–4 minutes maximum. Longer performances require previous Chair approval.

• Content: Songs and music must be appropriate for a school setting.

• Group Size: Minimum of 4 students per performance. The lead parent volunteer may set a maximum. Students can be from different grade levels.

• Parent Participation: For younger grades, parents must stay for all practices and assist with supervision. 

• Performances that are part of LEAP after-school programs must be reported to the Festival Organizing Committee and are subject to the same performance guidelines. Students participating in these programs may only join one additional parent-led performance, in order to avoid scheduling conflicts on the day of the event.

• Rehearsals at Campus:

• • Organize rehearsal times.

  • In-school practices require approval from the school office (Ms. Ruthie / Ms. Flaming).

  • Only up to two designated volunteers may be on campus for supervision. Parents are not allowed on campus during rehearsals. Volunteers are responsible for students while on campus and until parents/tutors pick them up.

  • Rehearsal scheduling must consider conflicts with other programs (AYA, LEAP); Please, review times and spaces with Ms. Ruthie.

• Waivers: All participants must submit waiver forms prior to rehearsals and the event.

• Costumes: Students should ideally wear cultural outfits.

• Music Submission: Upload your music to the provided Google Drive folder (link sent upon sign-up).

• Event Purpose: Please remember the event is designed for students to experience and celebrate the diversity of our community.

•  Unfortunately, LEAP does not have a budget to support tutoring for the performances.

If you need any help, have any questions, or if there is anything we should consider, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email: lealinternationalfestival@gmail.com

If these guidelines need to be updated, all interested parties will be notified via email

LEAP / Festival Organizing Committee 2026