BY HEATHER HADDON
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

Charles Silverstein likens the ethnic mix at Memorial Middle School in West Paterson to one big social studies lesson for his students — and himself.

For the Muslim children, Silverstein checks school trip menus for options without pork. During the monthlong fast of Ramadan, Silverstein hustles up a separate room at lunchtime so the children don't sit idle in the cafeteria with empty stomachs.

"You have to be conscious of these things," said Silverstein. On his desk sat pamphlets titled "An Educator's Handbook on Islamic Religious Practices" and "Schools and Jehovah's Witnesses."

Residents come to Passaic County from almost 100 countries. Many workers here enjoy the mix of religions, languages and customs, but it also creates challenges for local service providers and government agencies.

READ MORE: http://www.northjersey.com/news/immigration/20648529.html?c=y&page=1

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