A teacher and a trio of parent volunteers educated students about the traditions of Lunar New Year on Jan. 28 at Mandalay Elementary School in the Wantagh School District.

The day before the holiday was celebrated, reading teacher Jeanhee Cho and parents Lindsay Gim, Melissa Mackie and Nicole Pomponio spent the day visiting classrooms for fun activities. They taught students about the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and noted that 2025 is the year of the snake. The guests also demonstrated a lion dance while giving an overview of Lunar New Year customs. 

Students worked on a craft, creating a fortune teller during a guided folding activity. They also made a Chinese zodiac wheel to learn which animal corresponded to their birth year. At the end of each session, every student received a red envelope with a special treat.