For the first time, Newton Public Schools (NPS) schools were out Wednesday, Jan. 29 in observance of Lunar New Year due to a district-wide decision to recognize Asian American students and families. 

School Committee member Anping Shen said, “This is culturally, professionally, and personally, a wonderful accomplishment, but also, this is the community support, and we are so happy.”

The School Committee unanimously decided to add the holiday as a  “category one holiday,” Feb. 8, 2024, meaning there is no school, and no homework due the day after observance.

“We’ve always tried to be cognizant of not scheduling major events on holidays like Lunar New Year or Diwali, but it’s helped to have them as holidays because now everyone realizes,” said Vice Principal Amy Winston. 

A petition created in 2022 by South Students supporting the addition of the holiday gained over 800 signatures and later, a working group composed of Shen, fellow School Committee member Paul Leavy, students, and teachers was established to consider the addition of Lunar New Year, among other holidays. 

English teacher Charlene Beh said, “The committee sent out  Newton Families, regarding what holidays should get more general recognition, and Lunar New Year was one that came up frequently.”

“I think part of the issue was before it was one of those holidays that, in Ms.Winston’s weekly update, she would say ‘be mindful, that a lot of families are celebrating,” said Beh. “But I think, as is the case with a lot of different holidays, teachers were inconsistent about extending that understanding.” 

As NPS adds more category one holidays, scheduling can become more difficult according to Winston. 

“It’s definitely another wrinkle to the scheduling puzzle, but in some ways, it makes it easier when everyone is more aware,” said Winston 

Beh also emphasized the importance of awareness, saying, “It is important in terms of recognizing and acknowledging Asian American students and families.”