First District-wide Chinese New Year Celebration

in Washington Township

Tonight marked the first ever district-wide Chinese New Year Celebration for the MSD of Washington Township. All three district middle schools  came together to perform and celebrate the Chinese New Year, at Northview Middle School.

As part of the continuing International Baccalaureate candidate school curriculum, district middle school students at Northview, Eastwood, and Westlane middle schools are learning firsthand about the Chinese spring festival, also known as Chinese New Year. “Students have been practicing and working together with much enthusiasm and proud talents,” said Mr. Geo, Chinese Teacher at Eastwood Middle School.

A forty- foot traditional dragon was used in the celebration tonight on the Northview stage. Students are excited as this is the same dragon that has been used by the Dragon Dance Troupe in the Indianapolis 500 Parade, Indianapolis International Festival, and the 46th NFL Super Bowl village in Indianapolis last year.

“We know that experiences such as this one tonight, take student learning out of the classroom and into encounters that stimulate them to examine the language and culture of other places around our globe,” said Dr. Nikki Woodson, Superintendent of Washington Township. “Inquiry based learning experiences such as this are exactly where the International Baccalaureate framework is taking us in Washington Township.”

In December all 7 district elementary schools became authorized International Baccalaureate World Schools. All 3 district middle schools anticipate International Baccalaureate authorization in late 2013, making Washington Township one of the largest authorized school districts, nation-wide. Learn more about the International Baccalaureate at www.ibo.org  

Here are some photos from Chinese New Year 2013