Arlington School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: February 15, 2008

Contact: Melissa Smith, Community Relations

802.375.2589, ext 147 ~ smithme@bvsu.org

Chinese New Year in Arlington

Arlington, Vt.,--As China welcomed in the Year of the Rat, Arlington Memorial High School (AMHS) students studying Chinese celebrated the start of the Chinese New Year with presentations about the ancient culture. Students began their reports with introductions in Chinese and then spoke on a variety of topics including their class trip to New York City to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art Chinese exhibit and tour Chinatown. In addition, students explained many Chinese traditions that have been passed through generations for the past 3,000 years.

AMHS Chinese teacher Aiping Chen, who grew up in China, displayed numerous Chinese artifacts and shared stories of Chinese life. After the presentations, Chen gave each student a red envelope filled with Chinese currency, which is customary gift during New Year’s celebrations. Following the presentations, Chen hosted a luncheon of Chinese food and tea.

Arlington Sophomore Ryan Boyd is enjoying his second year of studying the language. “I decided to take Chinese II, because in addition to learning more words, you’re also able to learn more about the culture of China. Aiping is a very generous teacher and always wants to help students. It’s a fun class and a fun language.”

AMHS Principal Kerry Csizmesia attended the presentation and praised Chen’s teaching style. “This was an exceptional presentation. The students are well versed in the language, and their calligraphy is beautiful. Ai Ping uses a variety of techniques to help students understand a very complicated language. It’s wonderful to see the results of their efforts.”

Currently, AMHS offers Chinese I and II to students. In the fall, Chinese will be offered to students at the Middle School, and a third level of Chinese will be added for high school students.

For more information about the Chinese language program, contact Csizmesia at principal@bvsu.org or 375-2589, extension 120. To learn more about Arlington Memorial High School & Middle School, visit our website at www.arlingtonmemorialhs.org. The Arlington School District mission is to create a safe, caring, and respectful environment of academic excellence where students are uniquely challenged to reach their potential at the K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 levels.

Photo Caption: As part of the Chinese presentation, students wrote messages in Chinese for the audience. Shown here are Chinese teacher Aiping Chen and Sophomore Nikkia Hayes with a message about her life and family.