WEST ORANGE, NJ - Mt. Pleasant Elementary School held its first-ever Multicultural Night on May 7, much to the delight of the school community.

Families celebrating different countries had brightly decorated tables set up in the multipurpose room featuring information, goods, and treats. As students and parents sampled ethnic delicacies, they were able to learn about their fellow students' countries of origin and connect with each other. The event was organized by the Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion committee of the Mt. Pleasant PTA.

Countries represented included Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Ecuador, Ghana, the Philippines, India, Peru, Morocco, and Costa Rica.

"Multicultural nights at elementary school are such a fantastic way to open young minds to be globally competent and culturally responsive," said World Languages Supervisor Felix Plata.

"They provide a vibrant window into the diverse tapestry of our world, allowing kids to experience different cultures through food, music, dance, and stories. It's not just about fun, though it is, but also about fostering understanding, empathy, respect, and appreciation for our differences. These events help children see that while we may have different backgrounds, we share a common humanity, which is a truly invaluable lesson to learn early on in life so that it translates into meaningful practice during the more complex later years of life," he concluded.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM MT. PLEASANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MULTICULTURAL FAMILY NIGHT HERE

World Languages Supervisor Felix Plata attended the event.

Mt. Pleasant teacher Kristina Moyet and husband at the Cuba and Peru table.