PTSA International Culture Committee (ICC)
Mission
The PTSA ICC’s mission is to create and coordinate events and programs that celebrate cultural heritage, ethnic diversity and natural beauty from around our world. These initiatives are supportive of the IUFSD’s efforts to develop 21st century global citizens.*
In September 2018, the Committee was revived after a seven-year long break.
*Strategic objective #4 in “Our Vision for Tomorrow: The Irvington Union Free School District, Strategic Vision”
Past Events
On March 1st 2019, the ICC held in an event called “International Culture Night (ICN): A Celebration of Global Togetherness”, which was attended by 600+ community members. The evening event was graciously sponsored by the Irvington PTSA.
Dows Lane and Main Street School students “traveled around the world” throughout the school with a special passport called “Passport for the Citizen of the World” and obtained a stamp after learning interesting and fun facts at 28 different country stations.
Countries represented in the stations were Albania, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Local families brought a piece of their own culture, or one they admired, in a variety of interactive and educational activities, which included meeting the “Queen”, arts and crafts projects, cooking displays, cultural music and instruments, sports showcases, playing games, wearing traditional clothing, photographic displays, teaching phrases in foreign languages and much more.
In the International Food Court, participants tasted delicious authentic dishes donated by more than 50 families and local businesses (Chutney Masala, Geordane’s, GoSu, Irvington Pizza Company (IPC), Irvington Delight, Kiku Sushi, Red Barn Bakery, River City Grille, Royal Palace, Sambal, Zarrilli’s Deli). Since the Committee’s goal was to keep this event environmentally friendly, we made all efforts to have zero waste in the cafeteria. We used BPI-certified compostable dishes and flatware; recycled; and composted all food leftovers.
The evening ended with international cultural performances. Each performance was unique, beautiful, colorful and impressive in its own way; including celebrations of international dance, music, and sports such as Judo, Tae Kwon Do and Martial Art Wu Shu. Children performed alone, with fellow students, with their parents, and with their teachers. Before each act, groups of children were invited to share their family background on stage and introduced each performance.
The volunteers created an incredible night, bringing so much love, time and attention to each station, each dish, each performance. The evening exemplified to the Irvington community our belief that all cultures are an integral part of our world and that learning about one another creates a bridge of mutual understanding, open-mindedness and appreciation for all differences. We upheld our pledge to create a sustainable event, as our planet needs to be cherished and protected in every way possible, no matter where we come from or where we live.
The ICN could not have happened without the support of the IUFSD administration, the PTSA Executive Committee, and all the interest and engagement by the Irvington community, including the IMS and IHS teachers and students. This truly was an amazing community effort.
For more information, please visit the article in the IUFSD District News here.
Upcoming Programs & Events
We are in communication with the administration regarding our new ideas for the 2019/2020 school year.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions:
Liz Daly Unis, Laura Coronado & Jasena Sareil
Co-Chairs of the PTSA International Culture Committee
E-mail: irvptsaicc@gmail.com
The PTSA ICC’s mission is to create and coordinate events and programs that celebrate cultural heritage, ethnic diversity and natural beauty from around our world. These initiatives are supportive of the IUFSD’s efforts to develop 21st century global citizens.*
In September 2018, the Committee was revived after a seven-year long break.
*Strategic objective #4 in “Our Vision for Tomorrow: The Irvington Union Free School District, Strategic Vision”
Past Events
On March 1st 2019, the ICC held in an event called “International Culture Night (ICN): A Celebration of Global Togetherness”, which was attended by 600+ community members. The evening event was graciously sponsored by the Irvington PTSA.
Dows Lane and Main Street School students “traveled around the world” throughout the school with a special passport called “Passport for the Citizen of the World” and obtained a stamp after learning interesting and fun facts at 28 different country stations.
Countries represented in the stations were Albania, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Local families brought a piece of their own culture, or one they admired, in a variety of interactive and educational activities, which included meeting the “Queen”, arts and crafts projects, cooking displays, cultural music and instruments, sports showcases, playing games, wearing traditional clothing, photographic displays, teaching phrases in foreign languages and much more.
In the International Food Court, participants tasted delicious authentic dishes donated by more than 50 families and local businesses (Chutney Masala, Geordane’s, GoSu, Irvington Pizza Company (IPC), Irvington Delight, Kiku Sushi, Red Barn Bakery, River City Grille, Royal Palace, Sambal, Zarrilli’s Deli). Since the Committee’s goal was to keep this event environmentally friendly, we made all efforts to have zero waste in the cafeteria. We used BPI-certified compostable dishes and flatware; recycled; and composted all food leftovers.
The evening ended with international cultural performances. Each performance was unique, beautiful, colorful and impressive in its own way; including celebrations of international dance, music, and sports such as Judo, Tae Kwon Do and Martial Art Wu Shu. Children performed alone, with fellow students, with their parents, and with their teachers. Before each act, groups of children were invited to share their family background on stage and introduced each performance.
The volunteers created an incredible night, bringing so much love, time and attention to each station, each dish, each performance. The evening exemplified to the Irvington community our belief that all cultures are an integral part of our world and that learning about one another creates a bridge of mutual understanding, open-mindedness and appreciation for all differences. We upheld our pledge to create a sustainable event, as our planet needs to be cherished and protected in every way possible, no matter where we come from or where we live.
The ICN could not have happened without the support of the IUFSD administration, the PTSA Executive Committee, and all the interest and engagement by the Irvington community, including the IMS and IHS teachers and students. This truly was an amazing community effort.
For more information, please visit the article in the IUFSD District News here.
Upcoming Programs & Events
We are in communication with the administration regarding our new ideas for the 2019/2020 school year.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions:
Liz Daly Unis, Laura Coronado & Jasena Sareil
Co-Chairs of the PTSA International Culture Committee
E-mail: irvptsaicc@gmail.com
