Knightly News

Happy New Year!  Many people around the world, particularly in Asia, are ringing in the start of the Year of the Tiger.  The Lunar New Year started on February 1 this year and is one of my favorite holidays.  During the new year, families get together, big feasts are prepared, kids get red envelopes filled with money, lion and dragon dances bring people good luck, and firecrackers ward off evil spirits.  I enjoy celebrating this holiday with my family and friends, but also with students.

As a special treat this year, members of the Southern Lotus Lion Dance Association performed for lower school students during Morning Meeting. It was wonderful to see the students’ excitement as the lions performed and the musicians beat their instruments.  I have fond memories of seeing lion dances when I was a child and to this day still get excited when I see the lions maneuvering amongst the crowds, acting playful, and throwing oranges to people for good luck.  It was a joy to see the same awe and amazement in children and teachers.

While I love teaching fourth grade science, I also try to find ways to connect with our students beyond the curriculum.  Whether it’s a conversation about basketball, doing a special handshake, or wearing a Halloween costume, building relationships with my students helps create a positive learning environment.  Sharing about the Lunar New Year is one way I can educate children about the world they live in, but they can also learn more about me and see me as more than just a teacher.

The lion dance performance is one example of how lower school students learn more about each other and the world around them. Our lower school theme this year is “Belonging.”  Some of our goals are to celebrate diversity within our community, increase opportunities for parent engagement, and host cultural celebrations. In addition to the lion dance performance this year, lower school parents have shared their family traditions for holidays including Diwali and Hanukkah. I believe when we get to know one another, we are better able to love and respect each other. This love and respect for our neighbor creates a caring community where we can be ourselves and celebrate our differences and similarities.

I share about myself so my students not only see me as a teacher, but as a human being too.  In addition to being a teacher, I am also a mother, sister, wife, traveler, foodie, and someone who loves celebrating the Lunar New Year.  So in this new year, I encourage all of us to get to know our neighbors better. I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Tiger. 

Rosalyn Won began her teaching career in 2001.  Prior to coming to Episcopal in 2013, she taught at independent schools in New York City and Los Angeles.  She is currently a fourth grade science teacher and previously taught second grade. Rosalyn earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Whitman College and her master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education at New York University.  She loves teaching science and finding ways to integrate technology and other subjects into the curriculum. Recently, she was named the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools Connie Wootton Excellence in Elementary Teaching Award winner.

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