But, sadly for the students, that day comes around only once a year. Heritage Day, formerly known as grandparents day, is celebrated at the school before the Thanksgiving holiday break each year. It is a day when most students bring along a parent or two to their school. Some bring grandparents and other near and dear ones.

But the piéce de résistance is the food. Every student has to bring a prepared dish from home. Given the ethnic melting pot that Saratoga has become in recent years, that usually makes for a delightful melange of appetizing smells. It is no wonder that many students say this is their favorite day of the school year.

"The tradition started many years ago. Families are encouraged to bring a potluck item signifying their heritage. It is a day to feel grateful for what we have and show our love and support for the people who carry us through our life. This is a nice way to begin Thanksgiving," said Principal Diane Smalley.

At a special "gratitude assembly" on the day of the event, Smalley thanked every parent and guest for their love and support. She said that parents and grandparents are some of the first teachers that children will have. "We will look back and realize that the good values that they taught us will make us strong in our convictions and good in our actions," she said.

At the assembly, a few guest speakers spoke while some students sang.

But the real festival was in the classrooms where the casseroles were being opened one by one. The air was thick with excitement and the smell of food.

Third-grader Lauren Belotti thanked her parents in a short speech. "I want to thank my dad for helping me with my homework," she said. Lauren then ran up to her father, Paul Belotti, and gave him a quick hug. They then began sharing the food they had brought with them: a fruitcake.

Fourth-grader Jeremy Goldman showed up with some Jewish rice pudding. His grandmother, Gail Sachs, and mother, Judy Goldman, had cooked it the night before. "I live in Boston but I am here for Thanksgiving," Sachs said.

Fourth-grade teacher Bobbi Huebert said that this was her favorite day of the year. "This is a joyous occasion. The kids get to have good food and they don't have to study," she said.

Ann Monroe, another fourth-grade teacher, agreed. "My students can relax and have a whole lot of fun," she said.

Fourth-grader Kate Saavedra said that she had brought Danish cookies for her class. "I helped my mom make it. I helped her mix the ingredients," she said.

Christian Galvin, another student, said that he had tasted different kinds of food but liked the spring rolls the best.

When asked if he had had more fun when Nick Lazzarini, the star of Fox TV's So You Think You Can Dance?, visited the school recently, he said: "It is a tie."

Small groups of students and parents could be seen hanging around the classrooms long after it was time to go home. Food, clearly, is a great unifier.