By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
Feb. 11, 2011

Grade schoolers parade the halls of Holy Cross Catholic School Feb. 9 in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Originally, the parade was scheduled for Feb. 3, the Chinese New Year, but was rescheduled due to a snow day.

“It’s like our New Years, but much more important spiritually, culturally,” Holy Cross art teacher Mary Lanoue said. “It’s a year they believe in cleansing – a day to start fresh and new.”

Lanoue organized the parade as a teaching tool and also to celebrate the school’s cultural diversity. Student’s ethnicities include English, Latino, Vietnamese and African.

For several weeks, students learned about the Chinese New Year and culture, and also designed elaborate hats and fans for the parade.

“It’s a good way to teach,” she said. “There’s kids who come from Mexico or Vietnam and can’t speak English, but they can all understand art. They can understand the visual.”

For the full story and additional pictures check out our Feb. 16 print edition.