Bugbee Elementary School in West Hartford will celebrate and share their cultures at International Night on March 27.

Submitted by Michelle Bonner

The Bugbee Elementary School International Night Committee is excited to announce it will host its sixth annual International Night, celebrating “Togetherness,” on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

The popular event, which is attended each year by more than 200 families, celebrates the diversity of the school, town, state and country. More than 50 countries will be represented and the cultural offerings will include art, dress, music, sports, games, food and talent show.

“At a time when there is so much divisiveness in our country, International Night becomes so much more than just an event,” says Kelly Brouse, principal of Bugbee Elementary School. “International Night gives our students a sense of pride in their culture and provides all of us a valuable opportunity to celebrate all of our cultural similarities and differences. What an incredible educational, cultural and social experience for our students, parents and staff.”

The entire school will be transformed into a multicultural mecca with each country hosting an informational booth reflective of the country’s unique history and rich tradition. Each child attending the event receives a passport for stamping to carry along their journey from “country to country.”

“This is my favorite night of the year,” says Dahlia Cherny, International Night organizer and Bugbee Elementary School fourth grade teacher. “This year’s theme is just what we need right now, ‘togetherness.’ What an extraordinary opportunity to bring our community ‘together’ and learn from each other. This kind of education is an experience that goes so far beyond the classroom.”

Families who visit South Korea will learn the native language, while families who visit Israel will experience Ga-ga, playing the country’s version of Dodgeball, and families who visit Canada will have the opportunity to suit up and play the country’s favorite pastime, hockey. Those who make their way to the cafeteria will find homemade food from around the world being featured in the International Café.

“Everything about the night is so interactive,” adds Cherny, “allowing the kids to learn with a ‘hands on’ approach. Every single person leaves with a better understanding, a deeper sensitivity and a greater respect for our world and the people who live in it. It is an event that has truly become one of our school’s great traditions.”

International Night will be 5:30-8 p.m. at Bugbee Elementary School, located at 1943 Asylum Ave. in West Hartford.  For more information, please contact Rose Balesano at 860-233-1234.

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