Anaheim, Calif. – Anaheim Elementary School District (AESD) the largest elementary school district in the state, hosted a Lunar New Year celebration Friday at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary. Its Mandarin Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) transitional kindergarten students performed a Chinese play explaining the traditions of the holiday.
“We’re so proud of our young scholars,” said Dr. Anna Bae Kim, principal at Roosevelt Elementary. “The presentation was not only a way to underscore the students’ proficiency in Mandarin, but it also showcases the importance of educating the greater student body about the many cultures and customs in our area.”
The District introduced the Mandarin curriculum this school year as families (majority of whom are Latinos) voted to add the language to its DLI program in addition to Spanish and Korean.
The student performance was followed by a traditional lion dance. All students received a red envelope at the end of the program, a symbol of good luck for the New Year.
Lunar New Year, a festival traditionally celebrated in China and other Asian countries, starts Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. This year marks the year of the dragon in the Chinese Zodiac. Those born in the year of the dragon are thought to be charismatic, intelligent and lucky.
About Anaheim Elementary School District
The Anaheim Elementary School District serves nearly 15,000 students at 24 campuses in the City of Anaheim, making it the largest elementary only school district in the State of California. AESD is committed to providing engaging and equitable learning opportunities for all students through STEAM, Dual Language, and music education programs in TK through 6th grade. Award-winning schools, innovative programs, and one-of-a-kind community partnerships make AESD an educational leader in the region that prepares students for success in the 21st Century.
