An International Affair at Primary School

It’s a rare occasion when you find sushi and tamales being served on the same table right next to each other. At Red Bank Primary School, students and their families, teachers, and members of the community gathered together Friday to enjoy International Night, an annual end-of-school-year celebration.

On tables lined up along the wall in the school’s cafeteria, food from dozens of countries and cultures around the globe was being served up. But, while food may have been featured, the event wasn’t about seeing how confused you could make your stomach with just one plate of food. Rather, the purpose of the International Night, as it’s been for more than a decade, was to bring the community together in a celebration of diversity.

The event is in its 12^th year and is organized primarily by the Parent-Teacher Organization. Leading up to International Night, teachers help integrate learning discussions and projects about other countries. The result this year, hundreds of original works of art created by students designed to look like the art style you’d find in any number of other countries.

International Night also draws support from numerous teachers, local businesses, and members of the community, Cruz Roolart, the district’s bilingual community liaison said.

“I think we all work very well together,” she said. “I think we’ve all formed a wonderful relationship.”

More than 50 cooks, many of them professionals, brought traditional food from around the world. No food went to waste at the event either, as families were welcome to take platters home with them as it ended. Entertainment was provided for the hundreds of people in attendance, including Flamenco, Mexican, and Brazilian dancing, as well as various forms of music.

Jessica Sevillano, a preschool teacher in the district as well as teacher liaison to the PTO, said as soon as planning for the event began, teachers from throughout the districts volunteered to lend their support.

“There’s such pride with everyone working together like this,” she said.