Higley’s Coronado School celebrated the Year of the Monkey

Higley’s Coronado School celebrated the Year of the Monkey —Higley抯 Coronado Elementary School celebrated the

Year of the Monkey, 2/17 evening, with families and friends

Family and students at Higley Unified School District’ Coronado Elementary School cametogether Feb. 17 to mark the Chinese New Year，the year of the Monkey. The campus, which ishome to the district抯 Mandarin Immersion program, put on dance and song demonstrations, as well as displays of Chinese symbols and even a Year of the Monkey photo booth. Hundreds of students and their parents enjoyed the event, along with special guests from ASU抯 Confucius Institute and local Chinese Community.

One highlight of the evening was a dance performance by students, which included traditional Chinese dance props- spinning holiday handkerchiefs. It culminated with a dragon dance, put on by the Neeley family in Coronado抯 Mandarin Immersion program, which not only performed,

but made and donated the 8-foot-long dragon.揈veryone enjoyed the evening. The students who are part of the Mandarin Program or the Chinese Cultural Club really had fun sharing what they抳e learned. It was clear they put a lot of

effort into it. And I抦 so thankful to our Mandarin Parent Council committee, which planned everything from the program to the great Chinese dinner afterward,?said Principal Dr. Mai-Lon Wong. She offered special thanks to Mrs. Kellie Openshaw and Mr. and Mrs. Calls organizing the event efforts.

‘I enjoyed watching our children perform and witness their growth in the program. I am continually amazed how well they are grasping the Mandarin language and Chinese culture. I love how this program brings people together from all walks of life to help our children and Coronado Elementary ?4333 South De Anza Boulevard ?Gilbert, AZ, 85297 ?P: (480) 279-6900 ?F: (480) 279-6905

community expand their awareness of a different culture,’ said Rachel Newcomb, parent in the Mandarin program and President of the Mandarin Parent Council.

Leading up to the celebration, several Coronado classes heard about the Chinese New Year from two representatives from ASU Confucius Institute: Ambassadors Anthony Costantini and Jonny Dangerfield. Both are fluent in the Chinese Language and have spent extensive time in China.

Mr. Costantini and Mr. Dangerfield told the students about the colors, the red envelopes, the fireworks, the decorations and the food all involved in the long days of celebration.

Coronado Elementary School currently offers a Mandarin Immersion Program to students in kindergarten through second grade. Students spend half the day with a native Mandarin-speaking teacher and half the day with an English-speaking teacher. The program will be open to third-grade students in the 2016-2017 school year. Families interested in the program can learn more at www.husd.org/mandarin.