What's happening: Smith School, in collaboration with Ramsey’s Inclusion & Belonging Advisory Group, hosted its inaugural International Night on May 29th.
This event was created to celebrate cultural diversity and promote a sense of community.
Eleven families attended, representing 12 different countries, including one student showcasing both her Croatian and Italian heritage through decorations and delicacies, honoring both of her parents.
Culture and cuisine was shared from the following countries as part of the event: Korea, Armenia, Peru, Argentina, England, India, Italy, Ecuador, Philippines, Pakistan, Cuba and Dominican Republic.
Ms. Ormaeche did a fantastic job planning, recruiting, coordinating, decorating, and executing a night that allowed our families to display their heritage proudly. Special thanks to Ms. Cosgrove for helping Ms. Ormaeche with the decorations as well.
What they’re saying: “We are very grateful to everyone who participated and attended to learn about the diversity in our community, recognizing how special and unique each student and their family is. There was truly an electricity in the air, as everyone in the room could feel they were part of something special.” -Ms. Ormaeche, Teacher - Family & Consumer Science
International Night also coincided with Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans in the arts, sciences, business, public service, and more. In 2006, President Bush signed into law a resolution that established May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month can be traced back to 1978, when it was known as Asian Pacific Heritage Week to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1843. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 102-450, officially designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
We look forward to International Night becoming a new Ramsey tradition to celebrate the many beautiful cultures that can be found in our District!🍝
đź‘€ Enjoy this slideshow of additional photos!