- Come for the round-the-world food tastings.
- Come for the cultural music performances.
- Come for awareness and acceptance of different cultures in the Lakeland community.
- Come to LMPS next Tuesday for a first-ever event in the City.
The International Family Night is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) Cafetorium and will feature a smorgasbord of cultural foods and entertainment coordinated by both LMPS and LES (Lakeland Elementary School).
Matt Adler, LMPS principal, said, “We seek to promote cultural diversity with this district-wide event. Parents, teachers, and community members will unite with the purpose of building acceptance and awareness of different cultures in the Lakeland community.”
He added that in the Lakeland School System (LSS), there are about 25 different languages spoken by families with about the same number of home countries.
“Additionally, there are over 120 students who are a part of the English as a Second Language program (ESL),” he said. “The ESL program works to improve the English language proficiency of students acquiring English in daily instruction.
The evening is organized by three LSS ESL (Lakeland School System) teachers: Alison Garland, LMPS, and Lee Kelly and Diann Sorensen, LES.
“There is no charge for the event,” said Mrs. Garland. “It is a cultural fair setup where people will walk around to each booth to sample foods, read the informational displays, etc.
“Some tables are hosted by families who are native to the countries and others are hosted by teachers and students as research projects,” said Mrs. Garland.
The countries represented are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, El Salvador, France, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Palestine, Philippines, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican City, Venezuela and Vietnam, according to Mrs. Garland.
And what might guests sample from the variety of food offerings? Mrs. Garland provided a hint of the offerings:
Schnitzel, Linzer torte, Belgium truffles Curau, Brigadeiros, Egg Rolls, Platanos, Tres Leches, Chuchitos, Fresco de Tamarindo, Chai, Mandazi, Tostadas de Tinga (pollo), Mole, Spaguetti Verde, Arroz, Empanadas, Lentil Soup, Ponsit, Lumpia, Syrniky, Dulce de Lechoza, Pabellon, Cachapas, Chicha de Arroz and Vietnamese Waffles.
Music and entertainment also are part of the evening, said Mrs. Garland. “There will be performances from a recorder ensemble from LES, a guitar ensemble from LES and fifth grade choir from LMPS. In addition to LSS performing groups, we also will have the following types of dance/groups: Mexican folkloric, Mystic River Dance, Autoctona Xochiquetzal, a Ukulele group, Jazz group from Overton and Ted Horrell and the Monday Night Card.” Dr. Ted Horrell is the LSS superintendent.
LMPS serves grades 5-8 and opened to students in August 2017. LES serves grades K-4. Students attend Arlington (TN) High School through an interlocal agreement until a high school is built in Lakeland.
