By Angelique D’Alessandro
The Wheatley School held a “Culture Camp” last Thursday for adults from the community. The school often hosts multicultural dinners, but the camp was the first event of its kind.
The night began with a “Break the Box” game, in which each table of around eight guests had to collaborate and share ideas to open two locked boxes.
Questions leading to opening the locks required a diverse knowledge in different subjects, showing that a group of multicultural people when working together could pool their separate experiences and reach a goal.
“You couldn’t break out without the help of other people,” said Joan Anderson, a member of the Wheatley School’s Cultural Initiatives Committee.
Guests then chatted and ate culturally diverse desserts, including pears and wine from France and rice cakes from Hong Kong. As they ate, Anderson discussed the meaning of the night’s event.
(Photo by Angelique D’Alessandro)
“We can all learn from each other as we celebrate our community,” she said.
After the initial remarks, three Wheatley students spoke of their time in a newly developed “civil disagreement” course offered at the school.
The students demonstrated the “I hear, I believe” method of communication, in which two people with conflicting opinions can civilly discuss a topic.
Anderson then prompted guests to take part in a brainstorming session surrounding the topic of cultural inclusion and exclusion throughout the community.
Kim Pitchayan, a parent in the district, said that the school’s multicultural events are amazing.
“Every event we get to focus on a different culture and experience,” Pitchayan said. “As schools on Long Island become more diverse, it is nice to get an opportunity to celebrate the diversity.”
