Celebrating Lunar New Year in SFUSD Schools Link to this section
Published in Chinese in Sing Tao Daily on Feb. 2.
By Dr. Maria Su
Lunar New Year marks a special time of the year, filled with tradition, renewal, and celebration.
For me, Lunar New Year brings back warm memories from my childhood. It’s a time when my family comes together to honor long-held traditions, like celebrating each other as the kids anxiously wait for their red envelopes representing prosperity and well wishes.
Lunar New Year presents an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking ahead to new beginnings. This year, we enter the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and resilience. It’s a reminder that every year offers a chance for personal growth and reinvention.
Here in SFUSD, schools hold Lunar New Year celebrations on their campuses and participate in the annual Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco. I’m excited to join our schools in these special occasions in the coming weeks.
Lunar New Year is not only a time for renewal, but also for celebrating the rich diversity that makes our community so vibrant. The traditions and customs surrounding this festival vary across cultures and countries, from red lanterns to dragon dances, feasts, and family reunions. It’s a moment to honor those differences while finding common ground in shared values—like family, good fortune, and respect for ancestors.
Our commitment to celebrating diversity goes beyond festive events; it’s woven into the fabric of how we work together every day. As we celebrate, it's also important to remember that we are a sanctuary school district and that means SFUSD is a safe haven for all students regardless of citizenship status. We want every student to know that they have the right to attend school here, and that their safety, dignity, and well-being are our top priorities.
In this Year of the Snake, let’s continue to shed old barriers, embrace new perspectives, and celebrate the beautiful diversity that defines us. Here's to a year of renewal, unity, and growth for all.
Dr. Maria Su is superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District.
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