Lunar New Year is considered one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures including China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and more. It is observed in Late January or February and lasts 15 days. The first day of the Lunar New Year is the most important because families get together to celebrate and take part in different rituals. A lot of preparation goes into these celebrations and traditions- involving vigorous work. Families clean, decorate, and cook many dishes in advance, traditions that are all major contributions to Lunar New Year. Traditions like cleaning and cooking specific food dishes are symbolic and important to those celebrating. Unfortunately, families in Newton do not get the chance to spend this important day together or hold full-scale celebrations because the Newton Public School system does not take the first day of Lunar New Year off from school.

Currently, Lunar New Year is a “recognized observance day” which means we still have school, but homework and tests are not allowed to be due. While we greatly appreciate the recognition Lunar New Year already has, there are a large number of Asian/Asian-American families in the Newton Public Schools system who celebrate Lunar New Year and would benefit from a day off. In fact, around 20% of student enrollment in NPS identifies as Asian, the second-largest racial group following the 61-65% White identifying students. Adding Lunar New Year to the list of no school holidays would not only give Asian/Asian-American families a day off to celebrate this important holiday but would also help to build cultural diversity in Newton.

NPS currently addresses five religious holidays as no school holidays– Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Yom Kippur, and Rosh Hashanah (Day 1). (Note some of these holidays are included within the Winter and Spring breaks). We strongly believe that Lunar New Year should be added to that list and would benefit those celebrating in the Newton community. If you agree, please show your support for this cause by signing our petition and sharing it with others.