Cheers and drumming filled the auditorium as lion dancers moved through rows of excited students during Meadow Elementary School’s Lunar New Year assembly on Jan. 29, an early celebration that introduced children to traditions of renewal, gratitude and hope observed across Asian cultures.
School officials explained that the event was held ahead of the Lunar New Year — which falls on Feb. 17 this year, during the winter break — to give students and staff the chance to celebrate together, while launching a series of assemblies focused on new beginnings and community connection.
“As we celebrate Lunar New Year, I am so proud of our student body, staff, PTA, and parents for welcoming and embracing diversity within our Meadow community,” Principal Yolanda Martin said. “The genuine willingness to learn about and honor other cultures reflects the respect, curiosity, and inclusiveness we value. This shared commitment to understanding one another is one of the many reasons Meadow is such a great place to learn, grow, and belong.”
The Cultural Arts Assembly explored how Lunar New Year is celebrated in communities around the world, including in the United States. Students learned about Korean Seollal, Chinese Chunjie, Vietnamese Tet and Cambodian Chol Chnam Thmey, gaining insight into the customs, foods and traditions associated with each celebration.
Student participation was central to the program. Peer presenters, including fourth-graders MaKayla McNeill, Sothanee Sainsurin and Sofia Singson and fifth-grader Ethan Singson, shared traditions from their own cultures, and classmates watched a live demonstration of the Korean sebae bow, a traditional gesture of respect exchanged during Seollal. Student artwork was also displayed, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
The assembly featured several performances that drew enthusiastic responses from the audience. A Chinese lion dance made its way through the crowd, delighting the students, and a Korean fan dance, accompanied by drumming, showcased traditional music and movement. The school’s Special Chorus, led by music teacher Holly Rodas, also performed, celebrating the Year of the Horse and encouraging audience participation.
“Using music to teach about Lunar New Year allows students to connect with culture in a joyful and meaningful way,” Rodas said in an email sent to the Herald. “This year is the Year of the Horse, which symbolizes strength, confidence and forward momentum. Part of the chorus includes the line ‘Year of the Horse — gallop away chasing dreams,’ which reflects the idea of moving ahead with courage and hope. I chose a song that encourages students to believe in themselves and ride forward into the light, while also giving me the opportunity to share my Korean culture through music.”
A presentation created by the Meadow School PTA guided students through the cultural significance of each performance, helping them understand the meaning and traditions of Lunar New Year celebrations rather than simply viewing them as entertainment.
The program aimed to foster understanding and inclusion while highlighting the diversity in the school community. In addition to the assembly, the PTA sent students home with sheets of conversation starters to encourage families to discuss the holiday and their own traditions.
School leaders noted that the program supported Meadow’s commitment to inclusion, belonging and cultural awareness as part of its No Place for Hate initiative, which promotes respect and understanding among students of different backgrounds.
Organizers said the strong student response showed how cultural arts programming can resonate across grade levels, with many students singing along during performances and eagerly participating in demonstrations.
“I was happy to share a part of my culture with my school,” Meadow fourth-grader and assembly participant MaKayla McNeill said. “It was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait till next year.”
School officials said the success of the assembly sets the tone for future programs centered on gratitude, hope and new beginnings, reinforcing the importance of celebrating the diverse cultures represented in the Meadow community.
