With the Asian New Year falling on Tuesday, February 5, and our school holding parent/teacher conferences on that day, we decided to hold our parade on Friday, February 1. It was great fun, as students paraded through the hallways in their red attire (considered a lucky color) or traditional oriental clothing. Students went through the halls of the early childhood, lower school, and middle school buildings shaking their sparkle wands and noise makers. A dragon led the parade and the pig (year of the pig) followed close behind. Chinese lanterns were also at the front and back of the parade.
The Montessori classes had a guest speaker before our parade. A grandparent, who had lived and taught in China, came to speak to the children. He shared some information about China and taught the children a few words, followed by his granddaughter singing a "Good Luck" Chinese song. It was wonderful and we thank them both for sharing.
At the end of the day, each child received a red envelope, which is the tradition in China. The envelope is usually filled with money. Our envelopes were filled with two pennies, a piece of candy, and the most important item of all - the HUG coupon. Hopefully, your child shared this with you.
Thank you to everyone for helping your child experience this culture by sharing in our parade. In all the years that I have done this, I have never seen as much red as I did this year. It was great to have such a high level of participation and interest.
This student came dressed in the clothing from his country.
It's the "Year of the Pig."
The pig joined in our parade.
Mrs. Wagner bangs the gong as the class parades outside.
Students paraded around the quadrangle.
Sparkle wands acted as fireworks as students paraded through the halls.
The Chinese lantern ended the parade.
Before leaving on the parade, this student sang a "Good Luck" song from China.
Siblings celebrated together.
Ready for the parade.
Mrs. Gray's class posed for a picture with the dragon.
