Cedar Hill Celebrates the Holidays

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Cedar Hill School was loud with the sounds of music, laughter, and enjoyment Thursday as the school celebrated its annual “Holidays and Traditions” day.

“Holidays and Traditions is a way for the children to be exposed to the foods, music, games, and stories of holidays from around the world.  It’s a tradition that started at the school before I arrived, and it’s a well loved day,” said Principal Dr. Michael Raj.  “Parent volunteers come into the school bringing dishes to pass, music, photos, books, and stories of their traditions, including Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Christmas.  The children learn a lot through seeing, hearing, and eating – in ways they wouldn’t learn from opening a book.  It’s a really special day.”

This year’s celebration included dishes from India, Wales, Sweden, and Peru as parents donated casseroles, cookies, and pierogies. “The students could travel around the world on one plate,” laughs tastings table co-chair and parent Stacey Garb. “We had about 40 different dishes. It’s obvious the parents worked really hard to cook and bake some wonderful items. It makes the day so memorable to have so many cuisines to offer. The children really enjoy the variety.”

The students could also play the Hanukkah dreidel game, decorate sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles, and sing and hear music from different cultures.  “Holidays and Traditions requires the work of many, many parent volunteers and faculty members,” said event co-chair and parent Wendie Foxall. “We have about 50 parents come in and help out with serving and presenting – some of the parents read books about their holiday to the children, some parents present their holiday tradition, which may include lighting an oil menorah, and some parents show their culture’s costumes. It’s really interesting to see all that the parents contribute.”

Students also attended an assembly called “Big Ideas about the Holidays” presented by Patricia Shih. Shih, who is an award-winning singer and song writer, performed songs about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas, which included teachers’ and principal participation in a costumed version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and the students’ participation in an interactive song illustrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa. “The assembly incorporates and honors the many different holidays we celebrate and it focused on how, regardless of our differences, we really are all the same,” said Home and School Association co-president Michelle Zuckerman. “Patricia Shih’s show this year really brought the house down and presented a meaningful holiday message.  Students and teachers alike had a great time!”

Shih also gave Shane Harper, president of the Student Council, a “Caring Kids” award for Cedar Hill’s Giving Tree.  “Every year our generous staff, children, and parents help those less fortunate. This year we helped more than 200 children have a better holiday,” said Home and School Association co-president Terry Becker. “As we say goodbye to 2012, the Cedar Hill community looks forward to planning another wonderful event next winter.”