Category: Events

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Message of Hope and Equality

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Every January, people in the United States honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, a time when many Americans fought for equal rights for all people—no matter their skin color.

Vocabulary:

  • Equality – the state of being equal, especially in rights and opportunities
  • Justice – fairness in the way people are treated
  • Peaceful protest – showing disagreement without violence
  • Civil rights – the rights of citizens to freedom and equality

Dr. King believed in peaceful protest. He gave powerful speeches, including the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, where he spoke about a future where children of all races could live and learn together in harmony. His words inspired millions and continue to give hope today.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a holiday. It’s a day to remember the importance of justice, kindness, and respect. Many people celebrate by volunteering in their communities, helping others, and learning more about history.

📝 Try This:
Write a short paragraph about a dream you have for a better world. Use words like “peace,” “respect,” and “hope.”

Dr. King’s dream was big—but he showed us that change begins with one voice. What will your voice say today?

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Daytime Holiday Party

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Our daytime classes enjoyed a fun and festive holiday party this past Thursday! 🎉

Hello to all our students! Thank you for joining us and bringing such great energy to the day. 👋

Happy Holidays from each of our classes. 🧑‍🎄 🎅

A fun game of Kahoot! determined the order in which classes ate.

Congratulations to our Kahoot! winners! Thank you for bringing so much energy and festive fun to the game.

We had a fantastic assortment of foods for our potluck party, with something delicious for everyone to enjoy. 🌮 🍰 🥟

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Evening Holiday Party

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Happy Holidays 🎉 from our E0, E101, E1, E2, E3, and E4 classes!

This past Thursday, our evening classes celebrated with a fun and festive holiday party!

We had a tremendous pot luck dinner. Pizza, pie, cookies, and more – we had it all! 🍞 🍕 🍰

Each of the classes performed a holiday classic for everyone to enjoy, bringing festive cheer for all to hear.  🎄

Happy Holidays to each of our classes….

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Weekend Holiday Party

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Happy Holidays from our W1, W101, W2, and W3 weekend classes! We had a wonderful time on Sunday. We celebrated the holidays with delicious food, wonderful performances, and quality time with our friends and classmates.🎅 🎄

We had some tasty treats from all around the world 🥙 🍰 🥟

No party is complete without a game of Kahoot! The prize…….?

…… first in line for the food!

From singing holiday songs, to sharing things everyone was thankful for, the joy of the season was there for everyone.

Check out the performance below:

James’ W1 class performed “Jingle Bells”

Lynne’s W101 class performed ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland”

Erica’s W2 class performed a holiday poem

Nate’s W3 class performed the Wham! classic, “Last Christmas”

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It’s holiday time!

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Winter Holidays Around the World

Winter is a special season. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and in many places, it is cold and snowy. Around the world, people celebrate different winter holidays with family, friends, food, and traditions. Let’s look at some of the most popular winter holidays.

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in many countries. People decorate a Christmas tree, hang lights, and give gifts. Families often eat a big meal together. In some traditions, children wait for Santa Claus to bring presents. Popular Christmas colors are red, green, and gold.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that usually happens in December. It lasts for eight nights. Families light a special candleholder called a menorah. They eat foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Children often play with a small toy called a dreidel.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is celebrated in the United States from December 26th to January 1st. It honors African traditions and culture. Families light candles in a holder called a kinara. Each day represents a different value, such as unity, creativity, or faith. Music, dancing, and storytelling are also part of Kwanzaa.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

All around the world, people celebrate the New Year on December 31st and January 1st. Many people stay up until midnight to welcome the new year. Fireworks, parties, and special foods are common. People also make resolutions—promises to themselves about things they want to do in the new year.

Vocabulary to Remember

  • Tradition – something people do again and again over many years
  • Celebrate – to enjoy a holiday or special event
  • Candle – a stick of wax with fire at the top for light
  • Meal – food eaten together at one time
  • Resolution – a plan or promise for the future

✨ Winter holidays bring light, joy, and warmth during the cold season. Even though traditions are different, the message is often the same: spending time with loved ones and sharing happiness.

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Fall Activities in NYC

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The heat and humidity of summer is slowly fading into fall’s crisp, cool air & the beautiful, vibrant colors of autumn in and around New York City.

As fall approaches, here are some fun suggestions for things to see and do in New York.

Check out the fall foliage  🍂 🍁 in Central Park

Stroll through Central Park. The Ramble, Bethesda Terrace, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir offer beautiful views of the fall foliage. 

Central Park Fall Foliage: https://www.centralparknyc.org/activities/guides/where-to-find-fall-foliage-in-central-park

Central Park Conservancy: https://www.centralparknyc.org/

Attend the West Village Halloween Parade: 🎃 👻

Don’t miss this iconic and incredibly spooky parade in Greenwich Village. You can watch from the sidelines or even join in the costumed fun! 

Village Halloween Parade: https://halloween-nyc.com/

Explore the High Line: 🌇

This elevated park offers unique perspectives of the city skyline- it’s a fantastic spot for a leisurely walk and some urban fall foliage.

Friends of the High Line: https://www.thehighline.org/

Celebrate Oktoberfest: 🍻 🍺

Many beer halls and venues across the city host Oktoberfest celebrations with German food 🥨, beer, and lively music. Grab your lederhosen and join in the fun!

German-American Steuben Parade New York: https://germanparadenyc.org/oktoberfest/ 

Catch a Broadway Show:

Come join Alexander Hamilton, Simba, and Galinda 🧙🏻 & Elphaba in all the fun! Fall marks the beginning of the new Broadway season, making it a great time to see a new production or a classic favorite. 

Broadway.com: (A comprehensive site for tickets and information on Broadway shows): https://www.broadway.com/

Are you an athlete – or do you know one? Watch-  or, if you’re feeling energetic, run – the New York City Marathon. 🏃‍♂️ 🏃🏼‍♀️ 🏃🏽‍♂️ Sunday, November 2nd

NYC Marathon: https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon

Go Apple or Pumpkin Picking (outside the city): 🍎 While not in NYC itself, a short trip to the Hudson Valley or Long Island allows for classic, fun fall activities like apple and pumpkin picking at local farms. Many offer hayrides, corn mazes, and fresh cider donuts. 

Masker Orchards (Hudson Valley): https://www.maskers.com/

Apple Ridge Orchards (Hudson Valley): https://appleridgeorchards.com/pick-your-own-apples/

Attend the New York City Wine & Food Festival: 🍽️

For foodies, this annual festival in October brings together renowned chefs and culinary experiences, offering tastings, cooking demonstrations, and more.

NYC Food & Wine: https://www.glwd.org/events/new-york-city-wine-and-food-festival-nycwff/

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (or its balloon inflation):

Experiencing the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade firsthand is an unforgettable experience.

Come see Santa 🎅🏻 and the giant turkey 🦃 !

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: https://www.macys.com/s/parade/

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Top Ten Things T🌞 D🌞 In NYC This Summer 🌇

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Summer is finally here! Looking for fun and adventure during these long, hot days? Here are ten great things to do in and around New York City this summer.

10. Visit a museum!

Too hot outside? Visit an air conditioned museum for free or pay-what-you-wish.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/ (New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, CT can pay what they wish).

Queens County Farm Museum: https://www.queensfarm.org/ (A working farm in the city, often with free admission or low-cost events).

9. Explore a Botanical Garden

Escape the heat of the city and immerse yourself in nature at one of NYC’s beautiful botanical gardens.

New York Botanical Garden: https://www.nybg.org/

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: https://www.bbg.org/

8. Discover NYC’s Rooftop Bars

Escape the heat with a refreshing drink & incredible skyline views.

Time Out’s Best Rooftop Bars NYC: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/best-rooftop-bars-in-nyc

7. Go Kayaking or Boating

Many public boathouses offer free kayaking in the Hudson River and other waterways.

Check NYC Parks for free kayaking locations: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/kayaking

6. Catch a Broadway Show

To go or not to go? Definitely go! Experience the magic of live theater in the heart of the Theater District.

Broadway Direct (For show listings and tickets): https://broadwaydirect.com/shows/

5. Feeling Hungry?

Check out Smorgasburg: A must-visit for foodies, this open-air food market features dozens of local vendors.

Smorgasburg: https://www.smorgasburg.com/ (Check their website for current weekend locations and hours in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and the World Trade Center).

4. Visit Governors Island

Take a short ferry ride to this car-free island for bike rentals, hammocks, art installations, and stunning skyline views.

Governors Island: https://www.govisland.com/

3. Wander The High Line

This elevated park offers unique city views, art installations, and lush greenery.

The High Line: https://www.thehighline.org/

2. Explore Coney Island

Enjoy classic amusement park rides, the boardwalk, and the beach! -Check for Friday night fireworks!

Luna Park in Coney Island: https://lunaparknyc.com/

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park: https://www.denoswonderwheel.com/

1. Catch a Free Outdoor Movie or Performance

NYC parks come alive in the summer with free movie screenings and live performances.

Bryant Park Movie Nights: https://bryantpark.org/activities/movie-nights

SummerStage in Central Park (Check their schedule for free concerts and performances): https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/

NYC Parks Movies Under The Stars: Check the NYC Parks website for specific dates and locations: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/movies-under-the-stars

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