Latimer Lane Celebrates Global Community

On Thursday, January 30, 2020, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., more than 400 people flocked to Latimer Lane Elementary School to join in the school’s first celebration of its global community. Just hours before, this elementary school appeared like any other on a given day, but with the help of many volunteers and 35 “family ambassadors” willing to share their food, culture, and heritage with their Latimer Lane family, the halls were transformed into a thriving international “bazaar.”

“The students and families of Latimer Lane School represent many cultures and heritages from around the world,” asserted Latimer Lane Principal Mike Luzietti. “Our strength as a community comes from discovering and celebrating our diversity.”

In the lobby, visitors could first pick up a “passport.” Stamps could be placed in the book to show which stations they visited. Flags representing a multitude of countries fluttered above the crowd as visitors leaned in to sample the goods offered at stations decorated to represent a particular country or culture. A smorgasbord of odors emanated from the plates of home-cooked food and enticed visitors to each booth. “Welcome to Sweden!” exclaimed Makena Pisani, as she offered visitors linzer tarts to sample. Incense wafted from the Yemen booth. The pounding of Senegalese drums came from the library media center, as visitors tried their hand at replicating the rhythms set by the Dieme family. Intricate and colorful beaded pieces of jewelry were featured at the Kenya booth. Representatives of India sparkled in their traditional garb. Many visitors could be seen softly blowing on their hands to help the ink dry from the intricate henna tattoos they received from artisans representing India and Yemen.

In the main office, library media specialist Kristen Brighenti offered students a unique opportunity to ask any question they had of her son John, who skyped with them from Brisbane, Australia. He confirmed that yes, it was “normal” to encounter a kangaroo while just walking around minding one’s own business. Many pairs of eyes widened in surprise when he commented that even though it was nearly 7PM at Latimer Lane, “here it’s quarter to 10 in the morning tomorrow!”

In the art room, global art projects were led by art teacher Carolyn Olivieri. In the cafeteria, music teacher Susan Mollica delighted children with instruction on global musical instruments. Physical education teachers Tracy Kissane and Brandon Carpe led global games in the gym. A Russian folk dance (“Sasha”) took place in the gym to close out the evening.

Copies of All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold (Penguin House, 2018) Luzietti’s favorite book, were raffled off throughout the evening. The story follows a group of children throughout a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed, no matter what clothes they wear or traditions they practice. The book’s main message for young children is “no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.”

On this night, this children’s book really came to life at Latimer Lane Elementary School. In an email to parent/guardians, Luzietti noted, “Last night represented everything that is right about the community and sense of family that exists at Latimer Lane... To say that our first annual Celebration of our Global Community was a success would be an understatement. It was nothing short of brilliant.”