Francone Elementary Students Advocate for Lunar New Year Lunch, Bringing Cultural Celebration to CFISD
CFISD students enjoyed a special Lunar New Year lunch on January 29, thanks to the advocacy of two Francone Elementary School fourth graders, Nathalia Cruz and Perla Sales. Their initiative not only brought festive menu options to the school district but also highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and student leadership.
Cruz and Sales first became interested in Lunar New Year after reading a story about global celebrations. Curious about the traditions associated with the holiday, they decided to take action by writing a letter to their school principal, Melissa Martin, asking if Francone Elementary could celebrate Lunar New Year with a themed lunch. Impressed by their enthusiasm, Martin forwarded the request to the CFISD Nutrition Services Department, which approved the idea and implemented it districtwide.
“This was a great opportunity for our students to see that their voice can make an impact,” Martin said. “All of our Falcons were excited about the special menu options, and we were all so very proud of Nathalia and Perla for their advocacy and leadership. Nutrition Services did an outstanding job of putting this together for all CFISD students to enjoy!”
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The Lunar New Year lunch featured potstickers, lo mein, garden salad, Asian stir-fried vegetables, clementines, and a fortune cookie. To further commemorate the occasion, CFISD Nutrition Services provided students with a "Year of the Snake" bookmark, celebrating the Chinese zodiac sign for 2025.
Understanding Lunar New Year and Its Traditions
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant holidays in many Asian cultures, particularly in China, Vietnam, and South Korea. The celebration, based on the lunar calendar, marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year. Traditionally, the holiday lasts 15 days and is filled with family gatherings, feasts, and customs meant to bring good fortune and prosperity.
One of the most well-known traditions is the exchange of red envelopes, or hóngbāo, filled with money to symbolize good luck and blessings. Families also partake in symbolic foods, such as dumplings for wealth, long noodles for longevity, and citrus fruits for prosperity. Fireworks, dragon dances, and lantern festivals are commonly associated with the celebration, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
CFISD students enjoyed a Lunar New Year lunch in celebration of the Year of the Snake that included potstickers, The success of Cruz and Sales’ advocacy highlights the power of student engagement in shaping a more inclusive and culturally aware school environment. By taking the initiative to introduce Lunar New Year to their peers, they not only celebrated diversity but also inspired their classmates to explore and appreciate different cultures. Through student-led efforts and district support, schools can provide meaningful experiences that reflect the diverse backgrounds of their communities.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
