Riley Avenue Elementary School celebrated the beginning of 4709, the Year of the Rabbit last night with the school's 19th annual Chinese New Year celebration. The event included a Chinese banquet, traditional Chinese music and a program by Mrs. Dorman's and Mrs. Kruger's second grade classes, whose members dressed in authentic Chinese garb.
Second graders study the holiday based on its history, customs, and food; they learn to speak and write words in another language, and read both fiction and nonfiction literature about China.
Their stage performance demonstrates the customs and traditions of the Chinese New Year celebration. The students sing traditional Chinese songs and perform a dance to Chinese music. Their stage presentation culminates with the March of the Dragons, which also features a life-sized Terracotta Warrior sculpture and the mythical Chinese Phoenix Bird. The Parade is preceded by a distribution of special good luck gifts to the audience and followed by a full-course Chinese buffet for the parents and guests in attendance.
