Please note the Lantern Walk has been RE-SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20th FROM 4:30-5:30 PM. We will meet at the entrance to Tompkins Square Park on Avenue B at 7th Street.
Dear Families,
We cordially invite you to join us on the evening of TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20th for this year's Lantern Walk. In consideration of space limitations and safety, we are able to extend this invitation to the New Amsterdam Community only this year.
The Lantern Walk is a tradition of German origin that marks the midpoint between the fall equinox and winter solstice and offers a celebration of the light that glows ever brighter within us, even as the days of the year grow dark and cold.
Our celebration will begin this year at 4:30 PM, shortly after sunset. Please plan on finishing dinner early in order to arrive promptly at Tompkins Square Park, at 4:30pm. We will meet at the entrance on Avenue B and 7th Street. When you arrive, please gather together with your class. Once everyone is gathered the lanterns that the children have made at school will be lit by our volunteers. When the lanterns are lit our walk will begin. Please stay close and walk together with your child as we follow along the designated path, singing our lantern songs.
Once we have completed our walk the children will receive a small treat from their teachers. When your child has received his or her gift, we ask that you quietly collect your things and make your way to the gate. By this time it will be about 5:30pm and the park will be quite dark, so please watch your step when leaving.
Please bear in mind that by this time the children will have enjoyed a full and magical evening. We recommend that you head home for bed to allow your child to peacefully take in the events of the evening. You will be receiving a copy of our lantern songs from your child's teacher next week so that you can sing with us if you wish. Please let us know if you would like any help learning the songs.
We look forward to celebrating with you on November 20th!
Wishing you light and warmth,
The New Amsterdam Faculty and Staff
