Students at Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School celebrated their annual International Day with a bevy of learning activities at all grade levels, culminating in a luncheon that featured multinational cuisine.
Starting with the youngest groups, kindergartners were told stories that contrasted their lives in Freeport with those of children in other countries, while the first-grade classes gathered on the playground to sing Richard and Robert Sherman's "It's a Small World" and Ester Dean's "Let It Grow (Celebrate the World)." Second-graders read Norah Dooley's "Everybody Cooks Rice," followed by a rice sampling party. They also created their own rice cookbook from contributed family recipes. Third-graders used their creative talents to fashion African masks and Mexican maracas. The fourth-grade students were part of a re-enactment of the immigrant experience at Ellis Island, with teachers and volunteers acting as immigration officials. "Each student was treated as though they were an immigrant at Ellis Island," said Principal Amanda Muldowney. "They learned about the scrutiny people were under before they were permitted entry to the United States."
A schoolwide lunchtime gathering featured original essays, choral singing and the honoring of community members who were instrumental in the recovery from Superstorm Sandy. The coveted Mary Johnson International Luncheon Award was presented to reading teacher Lori Downing in acknowledgment of her many years of service.
Everyone then enjoyed an array of international cuisine, brought in from local restaurants and served buffet-style.