Dual Language Community Celebrates at Winter Fiesta
The Huntington School District's dual language program has a loyal following of students and parents. The group gathered together last Friday with teachers, aides and school officials to celebrate at the program's annual winter fiesta.
A large crowd filled the Jack Abrams School cafeteria for the fun evening. Parents enjoyed mingling with one another and making new friends from other schools in the district. Students needed no invitation to have a good time and they kept themselves busy throughout the night.
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any dual language program teachers were on hand for the celebration, including Mariana Irigoyen, Rosita Lanoue, Lucy Marotta, Wendy Bonilla, Vivian Joseph, Ivonne Szabo, Tirsa Oliva, Dimaris Ortega, Glenn Edwards, Erika Sabogal and Karen Melara.
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky, Jefferson School Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide and Flower Hill School Principal Marlon Small joined in the festivities.
"It was a pleasure to see so many students and parents in attendance, as well as to hear about many of the wonderful experiences that students are having within our dual language program," Mr. Polansky said. "Congratulations and thank you to Mrs. Kasper and staff for their collective efforts in planning and coordinating the event."
Huntington's buildings and ground staff headed by Director of Facilities Alvin White, made sure the cafeteria was ready to handle the large crowd, with plenty of tables and seating on hand. The informal atmosphere was enjoyed by both adults and children, who freely moved about and took delight in sampling the extensive food choices.
"There were over 300 people in the Jack Abrams cafeteria," said Carmen Kasper, district director of foreign language, ESL and bilingual programs. "Everyone contributed by bringing a hot food dish, water, juice or desserts. This event is a tradition that brings families and teachers together to not only have fun, but to be able to have serious discussions in a very relaxed atmosphere."
Mrs. Kasper made a point of thanking her department's secretary, Lori Bennett, "who makes sure everything runs well from beginning to end."