Winter 2025

Holiday celebrations in school play a vital role in creating a vibrant learning environment. They offer students opportunities to learn about diverse cultures, foster a sense of community and encourage creativity and expression.

By recognizing different holidays, it allows students to learn about and appreciate their own culture and those different from their own. This exposure builds respect and understanding among students, which is crucial in today's global society.

The Academy for Business & Technology Elementary’s (ABTE) holiday celebration, themed "Holidays Around the World," was a success with over 100 attendees on December 19, 2024. Each class showcased unique global holiday traditions through performances:

• Kindergarten celebrated the United States (U.S.) with two renditions of "Jingle Bells."
• First graders represented Kwanzaa performing a song that represented each of the holiday's seven days as well as another ohmage to the U.S. bringing the magic of Santa Claus to life.
• Second graders honored Hanukkah with two songs and performed "Mi Burrito Sabanero" (a Latin American classic).
• Third graders dazzled the audience with a play titled "A Journey Around the World."
• Fourth graders performed a European holiday tradition singing "Jolly Old St. Nicholas."
• Fifth graders explored Chinese New Year with a short play that explained the Chinese zodiac and showcased the vibrant holiday of Diwali with a lively and colorful dance.

The event highlighted diverse holiday traditions and ended with an encore of the Latin American classic by English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

At César Chávez Academy Middle (CCAM), staff celebrated diverse cultures through committees, discussions and activities. They engage students in cultural heritage, hosted door decorating contests and showcased student work. This year, they held a chili/soup cook-off for Thanksgiving and enjoyed traditional Philippine dishes prepared by international teachers. The social studies team organized an "Around the World" event, allowing participants to share cultural games, foods and expressions. These celebrations aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and connected to the broader world.

Holiday celebrations provide students with opportunities to express their creativity in unique ways. Activities such as crafting decorations, performing themed plays or writing holiday stories allow students to showcase their talents and explore new forms of artistic expression. These creative endeavors not only make learning enjoyable but also help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

César Chávez Academy Lower Elementary (CCALE) embraced the holiday spirit with sparkling decorations and a twelve days of Christmas calendar featuring activities, raffles and treats. Classroom activities mixed education with creativity as students decorated holiday items. The Santa Shop allowed students to buy gifts for their families, while holiday spirit week encouraged festive attire. A highlight was Mr. K dressed as the Elf on the Shelf, surprising students during lunch. Staff caroled in classrooms with a special appearance by the Grinch, creating a joyful and memorable season.

At Hope of Detroit Academy (HODA), the halls were filled with holiday cheer as staff and students made picture-perfect memories. Santa's visit, twinkling lights and many activities filled the season with magic. Staff got creative with ornament-making and fun holiday cards that brought smiles to all.

Participating in holiday celebrations can help build a strong sense of community within the school. These events bring students, teachers and families together, creating a shared experience that strengthens bonds and promotes teamwork. Whether through decorating hallways, organizing special assemblies or hosting multicultural fairs, holiday celebrations encourage collaboration and unity among participants. This sense of belonging can improve students' overall well-being and academic performance.

On December 20, 2024 Wildwood Environmental Academy (WEA) celebrated its 20 year reunion! Over 350 current and past staff, students, families and supporters attended to celebrate at the Glass City Pavillion. This celebration included silent auctions, raffle baskets, ice skating tickets, 50/50 auctions, toy giveaways, slideshows and treats. While reminiscing on the last 20 years, attendees celebrated the trajectory of WEA's future as expansion plans were announced. To learn more about this exciting expansion and to see other photos from the event please visit their website!

Saginaw Preparatory Academy (SPA) hosted their annual Christmas musical/program, featuring performances from all grade levels. Students delighted the audience with songs that brought holiday cheer to everyone. In addition to the holiday program, staff joined together with a festive spirit week! One of the highlights was "Anything But a Cup" day, where staff got creative and brought drinks in the most unexpected items. It was a week full of fun comradery, laughter, and holiday spirit!

Each year The Leona Group celebrates service milestones for staff with 10, 20 and 25 years. Their passion, loyalty and longevity have impacted the individual schools they serve. Join us in congratulating these dedicated team members on their service milestones.

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