06/09/2026
The world came to Pleasantville Middle School as fifth graders celebrated the annual tradition of Western Hemisphere Day.
Students spent the day “traveling” to six countries: Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, and the United States. Each classroom was transformed into an immersive cultural experience where students explored traditions, participated in hands-on activities, sampled foods, and learned about the people and cultures that make each country unique.
Along the way, students created colorful ox decorations inspired by Brazil’s Festival do Boi-Bumbá, stamped leather keychains in Argentina, tested their knowledge with trivia games in Canada, learned traditional dances in the Dominican Republic, created American flags in the United States, and played Lotería in Mexico. They also enjoyed treats from across the hemisphere, including brigadeiros, a popular Brazilian dessert.
The event is a longtime favorite at PMS and would not be possible without the creativity and dedication of teachers, staff, and the many parent volunteers who helped bring each destination to life.
The excitement surrounding the tradition extends beyond fifth grade. In the days leading up to the event, sixth graders could be overheard talking about their own upcoming Eastern Hemisphere Day, which takes place this week. It is one of many examples of how these experiences become lasting memories for students as they move through middle school.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this memorable day of learning, exploration, and global discovery possible.
