Recently, the English as a New Language department hosted an International Family Fall Harvest Dinner for families of the program. Food has a remarkable ability to bring people together and serves as a symbol of hospitality in many cultures. It provides an opportunity for people to come together, talk, and enjoy each other's company while allowing an exchange of cultural traditions and flavors. This was evident as families shared traditional meals from their own culture while also feasting on Thanksgiving favorites of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. We had families from countries all over the world including China, Japan, Honduras, Haiti, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Israel, Sri Lanka, India, Portugal, South Korea, The Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, France, Brazil, and Turkey.

Food is also a unifying force at Jefferson Road and Mendon Center Elementary Schools as they wrap up their annual Ingathering and food drive events, where students and families generously contribute non-perishable and other needed items to benefit the Pittsford Food Cupboard. Many of our athletics teams, along with Allen Creek Elementary, are “adopting families” to buy and hand deliver a healthy Thanksgiving meal. Sutherland PTSA once again is graciously providing turkeys for Sutherland families in need while faculty and staff contribute all other items needed for a Thanksgiving dinner.

This is only a snapshot of what our staff and students are doing as a school community, and I extend my gratitude to them for their consistent commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. I am proud to be part of a community that comes together to create a positive impact within and beyond our school walls. As you gather with your loved ones at your Thanksgiving table may you reflect on the power of unity, cherish the moments of togetherness, and celebrate the values that make our community exceptional.