On Tuesday, February 17, Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) brought a sense of celebration to campus, as students across all four divisions participated in activities that highlighted culture, community, and tradition.

Primary and Lower School students marked the occasion through a variety of activities, including classroom acknowledgments and special take-home gifts provided by parent volunteers. The Benjamin Franklin Library (BFL) also featured festive displays, including curated literature, traditional materials, and decorative window decals.

Middle and Upper School students celebrated with two Lunar New Year events held in the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC). Activities included drawing Chinese characters symbolizing luck and fortune, practicing calligraphy, and trying on traditional attire worn for the New Year. Students also received red envelopes, a tradition in Chinese households around the world, with the chance to win special prizes. They also participated in a dragon dance, taking turns holding the dragon head and guiding the dragon around the space.

The Lunar New Year officially began on Tuesday, February 17, and will culminate with the Lantern Festival on March 3, marking the celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse. The horse symbolizes energy, strength, and independence, often associated with movement and determination. The fire element represents passion, vitality, and transformation, bringing a dynamic and spirited energy to the year.

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! (Translation: Happy New Year in Mandarin)