Los Angeles Unified School District Recognizes and Celebrates The Lunar New Year (01-23-24)

Los Angeles Unified School District Recognizes and Celebrates The Lunar New Year

Los Angeles (January 23, 2024) - LAUSD Board Vice President, Scott M. Schmerelson, sponsored a resolution to recognize the Significance of The Lunar New Year, co-sponsored by Board Members Nick Melvoin, Dr. Rocío Rivas, and Student Board Member Karen Ramirez and passed unanimously by the governing board of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

In addition to the commemoration, the resolution also requests the District to begin incorporating lessons on the Lunar New Year and Asian-American Pacific Islander instruction, specifically mentioning important and historic Asian neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.

“Lunar New Year is celebrated by over 1.5 billion people around the world, spanning many countries and cultures,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Our Asian and Asian-American communities have made an impact on California’s history, and it’s time to openly acknowledge the positive characteristics that go into our modern society through that diversity.”

“As one of the most widely celebrated events across the world, the Lunar New Year is a reminder of new beginnings, a renewed hope and the possibilities before us,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “The Year of the Dragon is an apt descriptor for 2024 and portends great things ahead. For all within the Los Angeles Unified community that observe the Lunar New Year, we join you in ushering in a new season of life.”

“Lunar New Year is an important and vibrant event, and I applaud my fellow Board Member Scott Schmerelson’s resolution to celebrate its cultural and historic significance,” said Board President Jackie Goldberg.

“Honoring Lunar New Year means honoring the diversity that defines our District,” said Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Many of our schools already celebrate this holiday with festivities, culturally relevant curriculum, and performances. I hope this recognition will enable more schools to celebrate and uplift this vibrant cultural event.”

“The celebration of Lunar New Year provides an opportunity for our students to learn about the rich cultural diversity of the Asian-American Pacific Islander community in Los Angeles and beyond,” said Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III.

“We are proud to celebrate the renewal that comes with each Lunar New Year for so many of our families, and to honor the traditions and heritage of our diverse community,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “Happy lucky Year of the Dragon!”

“I’m thrilled to join our Asian and Pacific Islander students, families, and staff in the celebration of the Lunar New Year and to welcome the Year of the Dragon,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “This is a wonderful opportunity to teach our diverse school communities about this important holiday and its cultural significance for so many in the L.A. Unified family.”

“I’m proud our District has been at the forefront of commemorating our diverse cultures to promote a more inclusive and culturally-responsive environment for our students, staff, and families,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “As we celebrate Lunar New Year, we honor the valuable contributions made by our Asian American Pacific Islander community in our district, schools, and communities. May we have a joyous and prosperous Lunar New Year!”

”I am extremely excited to recognize and learn about such an important holiday celebrated by many of my peers in Los Angeles Unified and Los Angeles,” said Student Board Member Karen Ramirez. “I am grateful to the Board for adopting a resolution that will elevate the history and culture of Asian American Pacific Islanders in a meaningful way and will acknowledge the many families practicing these beautiful traditions. Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate!”