Dear DCI School Community,

新年快乐! (xīnnián kuàilè!) Happy Lunar New Year! 

Next Saturday, February 1st, 2025, DCI will host our 3rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration Event. Anyone is welcome to attend! Every year, nearly 2 billion people celebrate Lunar New Year, the most major celebration in China. Traditions include lighting firecrackers, giving 红包 (hóngbāo) (red envelopes, with money inside), and eating 年夜饭 (nián yè fàn) (New Year’s Meal). Traditionally, celebrations last 15 days, leading up to the Lantern Festival. 

The agenda for our celebration includes 奶茶 (nǎi chá) (boba/milk tea), Chinese calligraphy, Chinese games, and art. 

Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is a Chinese Holiday celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Each year the New Year in China falls on a different date on the Gregorian calendar. The dates usually range sometime between January 21st and February 20th. This year it falls on Jan 29th, 2025. The traditional Chinese year follows a lunisolar calendar. 

Traditional food to eat on Lunar New Year includes fish, duck, dumplings, rice cake, spring rolls, noodles, fruit, and vegetables. Foods that show up on each family's dinner table depend on the region, wealth, and preference of each family but here’s two of the most famous: fish and dumplings. 

In addition to China, many other countries celebrate the Lunar New Year, each with their own customs. In any culture, it’s a moment for celebration of the past and sending good wishes and hope into the new year, and a time for family reunion and happiness. 

Click here to learn more about Lunar New Year. 

By Abigail Douglas (Class of 2030, MYP Chinese Phase 3/4 ) and Elliot Zwirn-Williams (class of 2026, DP Chinese SL Year I)

Important Updates

Spring Sports Tryouts Begin February and March 

It's time to gear up for our Spring Sports Tryouts. We can't wait to see our student-athletes showcase their skills and join our exciting teams.

High School Sports Tryouts

• Feb. 6, 2025: Pitchers & Catchers for Varsity Baseball/Softball 
• Feb. 13, 2025: All Varsity Sports
• Varsity & JV Ultimate Frisbee
• Varsity Baseball
• Varsity Softball
• Rowing
• Men’s Volleyball
• Varsity Lacrosse
• Varsity & JV Track & Field
• eSports 

Middle School Sports Tryouts: Week of March 3, 2025

• Coed Baseball
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Soccer
• Track & Field
• eSports 

Important Registration Information:

• Scan the QR code below to register for the sport(s) you’ll try out for.
• All athletes must have an updated physical on file in DragonFlyMax to participate. No exceptions.
• Please ensure all required documents are uploaded and completed in DragonFlyMax before tryouts.
• For more information on how to register, check out this registration document that includes screenshots to walk you through the registration process online. 

We look forward to an amazing season filled with teamwork, growth, and success. Let’s go, Dragons!

Prior Year Student Report Cards Now in Toddle

For students that attended DCI in previous years, report cards are now available in Toddle. These are available in the Student Profile, under the Student Files tab. These reports must be viewed through a web browser and are currently not available on the phone app. Please reference these detailed instructions here to access and download these reports for your records. If you are unable to access these reports, please contact Brian Garcia, Family Engagement Liaison. 

Learn More About How to Support Your College-Bound Student

Navigating the college journey can be both exciting and overwhelming for students and their families. Join us for a Café y Charla on Wednesday, February 19th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Inner Library. This Café y Charla is designed to help parents and guardians better understand how to support their college-bound student at every step of the way. Our Director of College and Career Readiness, Andrew Sanchez, College and Career Readiness Counselor, Cindy Soto, and Dayana Alvarado, a parent of a DCI alumna, will be present. Dayana's daughter graduated from DCI last year, and she will share her perspective as a parent navigating the college and career readiness process.

Please complete the RSVP to confirm your attendance by Thursday, February 13th.

DCI is seeking volunteers for this year's EssenceFest on February 22nd!

EssenceFest: Celebrating Black Excellence is a vibrant school event designed to bring families together in a celebration of Black culture, history, and achievements taking place on Saturday, February 22nd from 1-4 p.m. The festival will showcase the rich traditions of the Black community through music, dance, food, and art, creating an immersive experience for all attendees. Families can engage in interactive activities, enjoy performances by local artists, and explore cultural exhibits that highlight the contributions of Black leaders and innovators. 

The event will foster unity and pride, providing a platform for education and conversation about the importance of Black excellence in shaping our world. Essence Fest aims to create lasting memories and inspire future generations to continue celebrating diversity and cultural heritage.

To volunteer, please complete this sign-up form. Thank you!