AW News

I'm thrilled to partner with Diversity Resources to nurture diversity and support a more inclusive space where we can celebrate and learn about different traditions and commemorative days throughout the world. Diversity Resources has other fabulous resources -- including the one below about "A Worldwide Tour of Cultural New Year Traditions." As we wrap up the 2024 calendar year and prepare for the New Year, I hope the resource serves to inspire curiosity in all of our Avoca Community.

Feel free to scan the QR code (at right) to check out this valuable resource!

A Worldwide Tour of Cultural New Year Traditions (from Diversity Resources)

"New Year’s Day, often associated with January 1st, is a globally diverse concept, celebrated in numerous ways across different cultures. Let’s take a journey around the world, exploring the different New Year traditions.

Gregorian New Year: January 1st
Most of us are familiar with the Gregorian calendar’s New Year’s Day. Fireworks, countdowns, and resolutions are common in countries like Canada and the United States. The U.K. is known for its grand fireworks along the Thames River and its tradition of singing “Auld Lang Syne.” In Germany, New Year’s Eve, or Silvester, features fireworks and the unique practice of Bleigießen (lead pouring) for fortune-telling. In Spain, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck, while Mexicans only eat one grape. Italians often wear red underwear and throw old things out of windows to welcome the New Year, while in Ireland, the “First-Footing” tradition is observed for good luck.

Japanese New Year: January 1st to 3rd
In Japan, the New Year, or Shōgatsu, is a time of family, reflection, and tradition, celebrated on January 1st. Key customs include Joya no Kane, where bells in Buddhist temples are rung 108 times to purify from the 108 worldly desires, and Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. Homes are decorated with Kadomatsu and Shimekazari to welcome benevolent spirits. A special meal, Osechi–ryori, is prepared, featuring various dishes packed in lacquered boxes, each symbolizing different wishes for the New Year.

Lunar New Year: Late January to February
The Lunar New Year is celebrated across several Asian countries with unique traditions. While it’s commonly associated with Chinese New Year, featuring red decorations, dragon dances, and family reunions, the holiday is also widely observed in countries like Vietnam (where it’s called Tết), Korea (known as Seollal), and Mongolia (Tsagaan Sar). Each culture adds its flavor to the celebrations with special foods, games, and rituals, all symbolizing good fortune, health, and family unity.

Rosh Hashanah: September or October
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection, marked by the blowing of the shofar (a ram’s horn), and eating symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey, representing a sweet new year.

Nowruz: March 20th or 21st
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, coincides with the vernal equinox. It’s celebrated in countries like Iran and Afghanistan. Traditions include setting the ‘Haft-Seen’ table with seven items starting with the letter ‘S’ in Persian, symbolizing rebirth and rejuvenation.

Diwali: October or November
Diwali, the Hindu New Year, is known as the Festival of Lights and it signifies the victory of light over darkness. People light diyas (lamps), exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals.

Songkran: April 13th to 15th
In Thailand, the New Year, known as Songkran, is famous for its water festival, where people splash water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of bad luck.

Ethiopian New Year: September 11th
In Ethiopia, the New Year, called Enkutatash, is marked by singing and dancing, with girls dressed in new clothes visiting neighbors and singing songs.

Matariki: June or July
In New Zealand, the Māori celebrate the New Year with Matariki, observed when the Pleiades constellation rises in late June or early July. It’s a time of remembrance, joy, and festivity, with kite flying and shared feasts.

From fireworks to water fights, and light festivals to songs, New Year’s celebrations around the globe are as diverse as they are fascinating. Each tradition reflects the unique cultural heritage and history of its people, reminding us of the wonderful diversity our world holds. Celebrating New Year’s Day is not just about marking another year; it’s about understanding, respecting, and cherishing the myriad ways humanity observes this universal transition."

Screen Sanity Parent Night - Encore!

In case you couldn't make it to November's Sanity Caregiver Night, I'm excited to bring an encore invitation to our Avoca West caregivers and community this January! Snacks and refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP so that we can be sure we're prepared. Walk ins are always welcome!

Has Your Student Lost Something?

Any items still remaining in our Lost and Found will be donated over break. Please encourage your student to stop by and really look. We're able to return any items with names (or initials) inside. Perhaps you see something that belongs in your home below!

Avoca West - Absence Notification 2024-2025

Viking VIPs: Living Avoca's Values

Avoca West Lunch Menu

Click here to see a detailed menu for each month. You'll also find nutritional information, notes about ingredients, and contact information for our food service staff.

AW Viking Reporting Form

If a student or caregiver needs to report a school incident to the principal, please consider completing this form. Submissions can be sent anonymously.

Mark Your Calendars!

December 9th-13th -- Benchmarking at Avoca West (aimsweb and Panorama)

December 13th -- Intercultural Dinner and Talent Show

December 19th -- 6pm @ Marie Murphy - Board of Education Meeting

December 20th -- 1:30-2:30pm -- AW Classroom Winter Celebrations

School Resumes for Students on TUESDAY, JANUARY 7th!

January 13th-17th -- Winter NWEA/MAP testing (Reading & Math) for 3rd-5th grades

January 17th -- End of 1st Semester

January 20th -- No School -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 31st -- Report Cards (& Assessment Data) Home with Students

News You Can Use - From Avoca's Parent-Teacher Council (PTC)

Intercultural Dinner & Talent Show This Friday!

Join us this Friday, December 13, from 6-9 PM for the Intercultural Dinner & Talent Show! Registration is now closed, but we kindly remind participants to make their payments if you haven’t already.

How to Pay:

Option 1 (Preferred): Pay Online

Click here to pay electronically via credit/debit card. (No transaction fee; log in or create an account to complete payment.)

Option 2: Pay with Cash or Check

Make checks payable to "Avoca PTC."
Submit cash or checks in an envelope labeled with:
- Your Full Name
- Your Child’s Full Name
- “Avoca PTC Intercultural Dinner”
Drop off at the AW/MM Front Office or send it with your child to give to their teacher.

Please notify us how you’re submitting payment so we can secure your registration (D37intercultural@gmail.com). Remember, your payment receipt serves as your entry ticket.

Our largest community-building event needs your support! Please consider signing up to volunteer.