Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Chinese)
Chuc Mung Nam Moi! (Vietnamese)
Say Hay Boke-Mahn He Pah Du Say Oh! (Korean)

Have a happy and prosperous new year!

February 7^th marks the beginning of the two-week celebration of the Lunar New Year.   This holiday
is celebrated in some Asian countries such as China, Vietnam (Tet Nguyen-Dan) and Korea (Jung Wol
Cho Harut Nal). 

For these countries, the new year is a time to “turn over a new leaf” leaving behind that which we want to part with and embracing new beginnings.  It is also a time to celebrate family and community.  May this be a “new beginning” for the Whiting Lane Family!

Monday Feb. 4 – Chinese scrolls (spring couplets) with messages that wish for prosperity will be hung on door handles.

Tuesday Feb. 5 – Students will receive oranges, symbolizing the wish for happiness in the new year.  Oranges are also a symbol of wealth.

Wednesday Feb. 6 – 3^rd and 4^th grade ESOL students will perform a story play for younger students about how the years were paired with animals in the Chinese Zodiac.

Thursday Feb. 7 – Students will receive lucky pennies inside special red envelopes called lai-sees.  This is a traditional way of gift giving in China.

Friday Feb. 8 – First grade invites a ribbon dancer into their classroom to celebrate

Dragon Parade at 2:45!  The halls will be filled with color and music as the ESOL students perform an exciting parade with homemade dragons, which symbolize strength and goodness.  Just like in China, the parade marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebration.

   WEAR SOMETHING RED!  IT SYMBOLIZES FIRE TO SCARE AWAY BAD LUCK!

Do you want to know your Chinese Zodiac animal symbol?  Check out this site   www.china.mrdonn.org/zodiac.html

Do the characteristics of your animal describe you?