Jefferson School Fills Up at Pasta Night
The Jefferson Primary School community sure knows how to eat. The PTA's annual Pasta Night drew a crowd of nearly 400 for what turned out to be an evening of good food and lots of old-fashioned fun.
Families filled the tables arranged in the gym which was decorated to simulate an Italian restaurant. There was even Italian-themed music piped in over the sound system to help set the proper mood.
Jefferson teachers, staff and parents worked on the buffet line, overfilling plates with food, salad, bread, and garlic knots. Staff members also manned an extravagant dessert table crowded with home-baked goods provided by the parents and staff.
"Jefferson's annual Pasta Night was a huge success," Principal Margaret H. Evers said. "The PTA committee outdid themselves transforming our gym into a welcoming restaurant for over 400 hungry diners and our class parents had worked hard to put together over 25 of the most beautiful baskets we have ever seen! The dessert table was overflowing with home baked treats which were happily gobbled up by hundreds of satisfied customers."
The attractive gift baskets were arranged nearby helping to draw the interest of many to a silent auction that was held to raise additional PTA monies. A majority of the themed baskets were geared for students.
One of the most popular raffles offered a chance for the winner to be Jefferson's "principal for the day." It was won by second grader Daniella Fazin. She'll take charge of the school one day this spring and learn what's it's like to be the building's educational leader.
Parents Alison Iglesias and Susan Buchholtz chaired the PTA's event committee which consisted of Eden Mauro, Toniann Mangan, Mena Norton, Jennifer Hebert, Carol Yabroudy, Sandy Furman, Cara Pitti, Jeanette Loscalzo and Carol Yabroudy.
Garden City Pizza prepared and delivered the evening's food. The menu featured penne pasta with a choice of butter or red sauce, salad, Italian bread and garlic knots.
Third graders in the class of teachers Lori Wilcox and Priya Mondkar made festive flower bouquets from colored tissue paper that served as table centerpieces. Teacher Pattye Sweeney was the event's maitre d'.
"It was great fun to work alongside nearly 30 Jefferson Primary teachers and aides to welcome our beloved community and serve them piping hot plates of pasta," Mrs. Evers said. "Everyone went home happy and reminded that what is most important in life is the love of family and friends!"