Manson Secondary ESL Class Christmas Party Jan 16, 2010
Manson Secondary School’s ESL Class Christmas Party
Submitted by: Alejandro Vergara, Dean of Students
1.15.2010
MansonSecondary School’s ESL class celebrated its second Christmas Party with a lot of joy and festive feelings on December 18th, 2009 as part of their effort to learn language and learn the customs of the US society and educational system.
That celebration, which is becoming a tradition every year, was made possible with funds provided by Migrant/Bilingual programs as well as the combined efforts of the students and ESL staff.
The preparations for the celebration started at the beginning of the month of December when the students learned about Christmas in America and how people in this country celebrate the Christmas holidays.The students also made connections between Christmas in their native country, Mexico in this case, and Christmas in their adoptive country, the US.
ESL students found some similarities but also various differences.One of the differences is that during Christmas in Mexico they don’t give out presents, but they do it on the eve of January the 6th, to symbolize the coming of the magi bearing presents and enthusiastic greetings.
A similarity that was noted by the students is that Christmas is celebrated on the same day and that a feast with various dishes and deserts is offered to all in the family and guests.ESL students also noted that even though the foods shared at the occasion might be different, the feeling at the occasion is one of joy, harmony and benevolence, which is the same in both countries and societies.
After studying similarities and differences about the celebration of Christmas in both countries and drawing conclusions, it came time to plan for the party and best of all, to elaborate the menu.Leaving it totally to the students, Mr. Vergara allowed the students to go about researching for recipes of foods they liked and the steps to cook it to cook it to perfection.That was the best part of all as new vocabulary related to ingredients and cooking was being learned in a meaningful and nurturing environment.
And so, the month wore on and the research and preparations were being carried out.Gerardo decided to cook Hot Dogs, he said he wasn’t a good cook; Maritza went with Ceviche;Elida prepared Gorditas de Harina con Atole;Sebastian made cookies; Jesus Sanchez chose to make cheesecake, which he loves he says; Jesus Ortega made Taquitos de Pollo and Gustavo made Tiritas de Pescado.Lleraldine, a newcomer ESL student was visiting her family in Mexico so she missed out.Maria Martinez, a brand newcomer from Mexico didn’t get to help because she just came on the 17th of December but she got eat with us and get to know everybody in the ESL class.WHAT A FEAST!There was plenty of food to go around and plenty of fun was being had by all.
The week prior to the 18th was spent cooking and making decorations for the tables, dressing the tables for the occasion. All parents and staff were invited.It was a wonderful celebration where many came to share in the festive mood and to hear us sing “Silent Night.”After singing and hearing about how the whole event got started last year with his coming to the district, Mr. Vergara, Dean of Students and ESL teacher, declared the celebration officially inaugurated and for students and guests to make their way through the lunch line.I must say it was just delicious.After the meal was enjoyed, students exchanged gifts and wishes for the holidays and for the New Year.
Thank you to all the students for the great celebration and participation.It would not have been possible without their efforts and dedication.Thank you to the administration for their support of the ESL program and for the generous funds to acquire the ingredients and materials for the event.Thank you also to the parents and guests who came and enjoyed a fun time with us.
From the ESL Class at Manson Secondary, Greetings and a Happy New Year to all of you!!!
(Click On Photos To View Next Enlargement)
Photos by Alejandro Vergara, Dean of Students
Manson Secondary School's ESL Class Christmas Party 12.18.2009
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