Learning Different Cultures, Celebrating Diversity

It was a very colorful and lively evening at School No. 8 Friday, as it celebrated its Multicultural Night. Students, parents, teachers and guests gathered at the school auditorium at 6:00 p.m. to share an evening of good food, multicultural education and fun.

The venue teemed with exhibits of the diverse cultures and products of different countries. The display included dolls dressed in Polish national costumes, stuffed toys wrapped in white cloths depicting Egyptian mummies, paper-mache of giraffes and elephants complemented by Kenyan masks, Japanese Sumo wrestling miniatures, a collection of Italy’s gondolas and leaning towers of Pisa, Chinese paper lanterns and dragons, Germany’s windmills, Australian koala bears and kangaroos made of paper plates, and much more.

“I was a bit emotional this morning when I saw the children’s work,” said school principal Dora Cavallo. “I’m like a proud mother because of all the wonderful work they’ve accomplished.”

First grade teacher Joanne DeVito, said it took about three weeks for the students to finish the project. They even had a film showing of Pinochio while working on the Italian crafts, for the students to learn about the classic tale.

“I was surprised that many of the children did not know about the story until now,” said DeVito. “They all loved it.”

Kindergarten student, Crystabel Torres, came in Latin American costume. The girl posed for the cameras, as proud mom and dad, who hailed from Peru and Puerto Rico respectively, looked on.

The food also showcased a range of recipes from various countries: Bara from Guyana, Rigattoni with Marinara Sauce, German Apple Strudel, Arroz con Gandules and Moyejas en Escabeche from Puerto Rico, Spanish rice with beans, Bandeja Paisa from Colombia, Arroz con Leche from Ecuador, and a whole lot more.

Patricia Okibedi, parent of second grader Alyssa Okibedi, said, “It’s very important in this day and age for the children to know about diversity.”

Claudia Galloso, parent of a first grader, couldn’t agree more: “It’s good to have a multicultural event like this so we can share our country’s culture with others.”

Fifth grader Angela Zapata, who has Colombian roots, said the event “shows how many different cultures there are in school.” According to her, it helps students like her to know about the different backgrounds of their friends who come from various cultures.

Schools Superintendent Joseph Picardo was present, as were BOE members Joe Longo and Judy Piscatowski.

“It’s important to have something like this because, especially in this school, there are so many cultures represented,” said Piscatowski. It’s also important so the kids know that the parents are behind them in whatever they do.”

According to the principal, they hold this event annually but they try to educate the children about the various cultures all throughout the school year.

“The children have to know about the different cultures and not just in one class, but in their everyday lives,” stressed Cavallo.

The program concluded with dancing, with special education teacher Michelle Riccardelli and a Zumba instructor leading the children to dance along a variety of music.