The following story was featured in the 2025 Spring Bulletin.

To learn about and honor various traditions and cultures this winter, RCDS marked Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, along with school events like the Liebman Memorial Concert, the Arts Festival & International Fair, and JCC hosted Shabbat Dinner.

JCC HOSTS SHABBAT DINNER
On Friday, February 7, the RCDS Jewish Community Circle hosted a Shabbat dinner on campus for all students and their parents/guardians. The event included tours of the We Are RCDS exhibit, dinner, and music from MS music teacher Melissa Liebowitz.

LUNAR NEW YEAR
At Upper School Community Meeting, students in Chinese Language classes gave a number of performances, including a traditional Lion Dance, songs entitled Peach Blossom and Ode to Joy, a violin and flute duo version of Chinese New Year Medley, and Baduanjin (mini tai chi). Students discussed 2025 as the Year of the Snake—a year for intellectual growth and rejuvenation and deepening personal connections. Parent volunteers treated students and faculty to oranges, stickers, and a festive photo booth! Middle School parent volunteers organized a Lion Dance parade through the halls of the Main Building. At MS Community Meeting, students in Chinese Language classes led a presentation about the holiday and sang a poem called New Year’s Day, which highlights traditional customs. The students also painted Chinese calligraphy live on stage during the performance. Lower School students also enjoyed the lion dance and fourth graders led a presentation about Lunar New Year during Community Meeting. Parent volunteers also visited Pre-K, Grade 1, and Grade 3 classrooms to lead fun Lunar New Year activities.

LIEBMAN CONCERT: OMNY TAIKO
In January, students experienced an engaging performance by OMNY Taiko, a nonprofit group that promotes the Japanese art of taiko drumming. Under the direction of Crissy Lau, performers
shared the history of taiko, demonstrated drum-making, and encouraged audience participation through cheers, drumming, and Japanese phrases like Sāikō ("Let’s go!"). The event was part of the
Priscilla M. Liebman Memorial Concert Series, which celebrates diverse musical traditions.
Established in 1992 by Alan and Jacqueline Stuart, the series honors former RCDS administrator Priscilla Liebman and now also serves as a tribute to Mr. Stuart, a former trustee who passed away in August 2024.

ARTS FESTIVAL & INTERNATIONAL FAIR
On April 5, the RCDS community gathered for the 2025 Arts Festival & International
Fair. This annual collaboration between the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the
Art Department, and the Parents Association welcomes hundreds of students, families,
and faculty for a festive afternoon, featuring activities for the whole family, including collaborative art projects and performances by students and guests. This year's guest performers included Dhol Player Neil Desai, Bushwick Jam, Li-Garden Dance Company, and the Connecticut Chinese Education Association. A highlight was the delicious food donated by RCDS families to showcase the cultural heritages within our Wildcat community.