In conjunction with Lunar New Year, Herricks Public Schools hosted a program that brought neighboring districts together for a celebration of Chinese programs. Egg Roll & Dumpling Day, held on Feb. 12 at the Herricks Community Center, featured student performances, food and other festivities that supported the connection to Chinese language and culture.
A total of 180 students, who study Chinese, from Herricks, Hewlett, Jericho, Massapequa and Oceanside highlighted the Chinese language and culture through art and dance. The Herricks students served as ambassadors for their district and program; they welcomed their guests, introduced the performers and served food. Herricks High School students Kayla Huang, Emily Liu, Sanketh Kumar and Stella Chu introduced each performance group, in Chinese and English, to an audience of students, staff members, pre-K children and senior citizens.
(Photo courtesy of Herricks Public Schools)
Herricks participants presented a Ribbon Dance, Chinese Yoyo demonstration and played instruments. Oceanside presented Fan Dances and students from Jericho shared additional traditional Chinese dances and Chinese rap songs. Massapequa groups showcased a skit called “Dumpling Disaster” and Chinese music, including a song medley. Herricks students ended the performances with the Lion Dance to wish everyone good luck at the start of the Chinese New Year. The day ended with a lunch of egg rolls, dumplings and rice. Grant funding that the district receives through Asia Society covered all costs.
“It is through the celebration of culture and the teaching of languages that we learn from one another,” said Francesco L. Fratto, director of world languages, language immersion, and English as a new language for the Herricks Public Schools.
