By Eileen Oldfield
Traditional music and food spanning three cultures gave Roosevelt Elementary School students and their families a taste of the world May 1, when the school’s second International Night allowed them to experience Polish, Italian and Latin American heritage.
”I think we have a very diverse population in our community and in our school,” Principal Michael Magliacano said. “As they grow older, they appreciate the unity. The purpose is to acknowledge the diversity within the community and our school.”
Mr. Magliacano started the event last year, and enlisted teachers to help plan the cultural dances and coordinate the ethnic food samplers. Approximately 60 students participated in the presentations of traditional Polish, Italian and Latin American dances.
”It’s interesting to see the traditions of the various cultures,” said Rita Alpaugh, a parent. “It’s great for the children to understand. It’s the whole melting pot: even though we’re a small town, we’re a microcosm. A very vibrant town with many backgrounds, melding together.”
Robert Fisher, speech therapist at Roosevelt; Dorothy Puzio, school nurse; and Angele Palmer, fifth-grade teacher, helped organize the event and choreograph dances for each culture.
”I think they get a sense of accomplishment in performing,” Dr. Fisher said. “It gives them a sense of pride in their heritage, and it lets them see what it’s like when the community comes together to support them.”
Mr. Magliacano said the school added several cultures to the evening’s offerings, including Brazilian and Mexican music and food.
”I like the Italian pasta, the rice Hispania and the rice pudding,” said Harvey Hernandez, a parent. “It’s wonderful because it makes more unity with tasting the different food and seeing the different dances. In this country, it’s all different countries from all over the world.”
With the students spending weeks preparing for International Night, the event enforced lessons about working toward a goal, in addition to lessons about other cultures.
”At times, it seemed like a lot of work, but, as time passed, everyone (the students) wanted to get involved,” Ms. Palmer. “I think they learn to take a chance. They weren’t afraid to take a challenge on, to take a risk. You work hard and you can take joy in it.”
