Washington Primary School’s family cultural kitchen initiative has wrapped up for the school years following the final session, which was hosted by the Barak-Elitsur family.
“Yahel and Yuval Barak-Elitsur and their mom, Einav Elitsur taught us about Israeli culture last Friday via Zoom,” Washington Principal Michelle Richards said. “We learned about the history and geography of Israel along with a few fun facts.”
Students and family participants received a package of goods that included puff pastry, cheese, a BINGO card and directions. “We made Bourikas with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese,” Dr. Richards said. “The Barak-Elitsur family guided us through each step from start to finish.”
The new initiative proved to be very popular with Washington School families. Dozens participated during the year and Dr. Richards said the response was “gratifying” and that sessions proved to be fun nights for everyone.
“The family cultural kitchen initiative is a way for us to learn about the over 30 cultures that make up the Washington Primary School family,” Dr. Richards said. “Beginning in January 2021, we learned about America’s culture with a good old American pie inspired treat during an evening facilitated by the Van Horn family. Dumplings from China helped us celebrate the Chinese New Year, which was facilitated by the Adcock family. For St. Patrick’s Day we learned how to make leprechaun bait, which was facilitated by the O’Toole family. In April, the Moss family taught us about Greek culture as we made Tiropita-an authentic Greek croissant.”
Parent Leah Van Horn spearheaded the initiative for the school. The school is already looking forward to another round of special family cultural kitchen nights during the 2021/22 school year.
“We would like to thank Mrs. Van Horn; all of the families who facilitated and, all of the students, families and faculty who participated,” Dr. Richards said. “This initiative helped Washington Primary School implement the district’s goals of building cultural proficiency by embracing our diversity as well as family engagement by including all families in the fun.”