In order to teach students about different cultures and traditions, we do recognize holidays celebrated in December like Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. We also discuss other holidays like Diwali and the Chinese New Year throughout the year. Our first grade students participate in a thematic unit about geography and holidays celebrated around the world and students learn about giving to others through our Giving Tree. Students also learn about the Festival of Lights and play dreidel. The units of study and school activities will expose children to secular experiences in order to develop an understanding of various cultures and traditions. It is our goal that children learn to understand various customs and respect differences. This goal is not limited to the month of December, but it is reinforced throughout the year. Our children really have such exposure to different foods, dress, and customs that it enriches our school community.