Celebration of Diversity

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

6:30 – 8:30 pm

POBMS Gymnasium/Auxiliary Gymnasium

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District hosted “A Celebration of Diversity” in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School gymnasium on the evening of Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Students created projects which displayed information about their cultures and shared these projects at this event.  As part of their projects they:

·wore traditional dresses and costumes

·prepared national dishes and food

·displayed souvenirs, trinkets, jewelry, holiday items

At the start of the celebration, the ESL Kindergarten students welcomed parents with a performance in American Sign Language of the song “Hello! Hola!” by Janice Buckner.

Each student received a certificate for afree laptop computer at this event, donated directly to the students by Computers 4 Kids in Port Washington. The laptops will be ready in a few weeks and a letter will be sent home with the students explaining when parents can pick them up.

There were a number of community service organizations at this event as well. The Parent Teacher Associations from JFK HS and POBMS, SEPTA, the Korean Parents Association, Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, Plainview Soccer Club, Plainview Little League, Plainview Hospital and Busto’s Karate Studio all displayed information for immigrant and English as a Second Language families. There was also a table for Japanese Earthquake Relief where attendees could see information about the earthquake and tsunami and donate money to help Japan.

There were Discovery Chests on display from the Huntington Arts Council. These chests contained authentic materials from the China, Latin America and India.

There was a table for Infinite Campus, the district’s student data management system, which displayed information and made it possible for parents to register for the parent portal at the event as well.

Refreshments and entertainment added to the excitement of the evening. In his series of “Transformation!” Shows, Christopher Agostino presented traditional folktales from the students’ cultures. The tales were illustrated by his amazing face painting on the faces of the audience volunteers.  In a playful storytelling style combined with mask and makeup art, he created a unique performance to completely engage the audience.

Overall, the night was a great success. The goals of the evening were to showcase the work and cultures of the students and to help their families become more connected to the Plainview-Old Bethpage community. Both goals were successfully achieved.