Berkley International Night Celebrates Diversity

Berkley Street School celebrated its cultural diversity at its third annual International Night on Friday April 15.  Fourteen countries were represented in the NMHS cafeteria where 45 families, a total of 170 adults and children, attended the PTO sponsored event.

“Berkley's International Night was created to serve as a social for parents who might not normally participate in school events, perhaps because of language barriers,” said the event’s chairperson, Edith Olivo Martinez. “International night gives those families a chance to spend time with their children's friends and families.” 

Tables lined the perimeter of the cafeteria and parents representing each country displayed their country flags, food and cultural items of interest on their designated tables. The dishes that were shared highlighted popular food from the countries. For example, Greece shared Spanakopita and Ireland had Shepherd’s Pie.

“We had such a good turnout,” said PTO President Kristin Becker. “This event does a great job of  bringing Berkley families together.”

Soon after arrival, all adults and children began circulating from one table to the next sampling all of the food. “International Night gives families a chance to sample a cultural food they might not otherwise have tried,” said Principal Patricia Aufiero.

The countries represented included America, Austria, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Syria, Turkey, and Vietnam. Much of the food was cooked by Berkley parents, but a lot was also donated by local restaurants which included Lula’s Latin Cuisine,  Panchos Burritos, Roman Pizzeria, Sopranos Pizzeria, Taste of Greece, Celtic Kitchen who provided some of the Irish dishes and Toros who donated all of the Turkish food.

“Our cultural diversity is one of the things that makes Berkley special, ‘’ said Aufiero. “This event gives us a chance to embrace that diversity and celebrate it.”

While attendees ate, high school students under the supervision of Berkley parent and NMHS teacher, Wendy Mackey, entertained the children with face painting and crafts. After dinner, several dance and music presentations were made highlighting traditions of the Dominican Republic, India and Turkey. The latter included a belly dancing lesson for children who wished to participate.

“International Night creates the perfect forum for our first- and second-generation American students to celebrate their cultural pride with their friends,” said Martinez. “Likewise, students that are a few generations removed from their heritage can learn about traditions and customs that they don't experience on a regular basis.”

Throughout the evening, children of varying ethnic backgrounds enjoyed playing and learning about different cultures together. They all left with a smile on their faces as they were given  their favor, which was ”Swedish” fish candy.

Upcoming Berkley Events:

• April 25 – 29: Penny Challenge...Send in loose change with your children!
•  April 27: School Board and Budget Elections 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
•  April 29: Berkley Walk-a-Thon and School Spirit Day. Wear green and white.
• May 3: Teacher Appreciation Day.
• May 3: PTO meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center.
• May 6: Mother's Day Plant Sale.