The Elmont Board of Education meeting was filled with joyful performances as the district honored its rich diversity and unity within the community on May 13 at Clara H. Carlson School.

Student Council President Natalia Gutierrez introduced the kindergarten performers, sharing how their school community is beautiful due to their differences and how it makes them stronger. The kindergartners sang three songs, “I Can,” “So Many Colors, So Many Shapes” and “This Little Light of Mine,” and also performed a special sign language rendition of “What a Wonderful World.” The kindergartners practiced diligently to prepare for the night’s show and were awarded with a standing ovation by the audience.

Following the kindergartners’ routine, Assistant Principal Melissa Polzella shared a pre-recorded spoken word poetry performance by students, which celebrated their unique cultures and the diverse school community.

The evening’s performances were in recognition of World Diversity Day, which will be celebrated on May 21.

Click here to view the Elmont Celebrates Diversity with Song and Poetry at May Board Meeting slideshow.

Date Added: 5/15/2025

To celebrate its rich diversity and cultural appreciation, Gotham Avenue School community came together for the fourth annual International Night, with this year’s theme of “Music Makes the World Go Round,” on April 29. Multiple cultures were represented from throughout the building.

The special evening began with an outdoor buffet for students and families, featuring donated or homemade food from a variety of cultures including the Caribbean, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Pakistan and Puerto Rico. During the pre-show festivities, a scholar volunteered to provide mehndi designs and guests enjoyed DJ music, as well.

Dinner was followed by a show in the gymnasium. Guests were first impressed by Latin Club dancers, who had met once a week to practice the salsa steps and prepare for the International Night show since February.

Next, the professional stilt dancing group Kaisokah Moko Jumbies wowed the audience with their moves on stilts. A group of Gotham Avenue scholars joined the stilt-dancers on stage, performing a Carnival-style routine. Professional dance group, Las Bellezas del Mambo, also demonstrated salsa dancing with a riveting performance.

International Night continued with a vibrant and lively fashion show. Scholars, dressed in beautiful traditional clothing, proudly represented their unique cultures and walked the “red carpet.”

The successful show concluded with a festive World Cultures Dance performed by staff members. This annual event, which celebrates diversity and learning about other cultures and traditions, was organized by school social worker Fanny Iglesias and special education teacher Andrea Poltorzycki.

“Students and families enjoyed a delightful evening filled with diverse cultural experiences,” Principal William Mingo said. “It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of its members. The night was a resounding success, leaving everyone looking forward to next year's celebration.”

Click here to view the Gotham Avenue School Hosts Annual International Night slideshow.

Date Added: 5/9/2025