AAPI Heritage Month @ WNS
May 2023
With the help of the AAPI Collective, and other incredible WNS Community members, we have put together a number of events throughout the month of May designed to inspire and to bring joy.
Every Tuesday & Thursday
AAPI snacks at Middle School Snack Cart
Middle School Student Council is selling AAPI snacks at the Middle School Snack Cart! Visit them to purchase Pocky, Japanese rice crackers, Hello Panda, and seaweed throughout May!
- During School Hours
Thursdays Throughout May
AAPI Celebration at ECC Morning Sing
Join us in the ECC amphitheater for a special Morning Sing to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
- 9-9:30am
Throughout May
Family Shares in Kindergarten and First Grade
WNS families coming to campus to present to Kindergarten and First Grade classes about their heritage.
- Dates to be communicated by K/1 teachers.
Wednesday, May 3
Korean Fan Dance at Community Gathering
Join us at Community Gathering for a special performance from the Korean Classical Music and Dance Company.
- 8:15-8:45am
Wednesday, May 17
Vietnamese Summer Rolls Zoom cooking demo with Chef Elaine Phuong from Nong Lá Cafe
Join us for a special cooking demonstration courtesy of sibling chefs, Elaine and Victor Phuong. More details in Event Spotlight below.
Food Kit information:
Veggie/Tofu OR shrimp
$13 per kit, recommend 1 kit per person.
Zoom info:
Wednesday May 17 at 6:30pm:
- 6:30pm
Wednesday, May 17
Thai Royal Dance Troupe
Students in grades 2-5 will enjoy a special presentation from the Thai Royal Dance Troupe. This will occur during the school day, and is intended for students only.
- During School Hours
Tuesday, May 23
AAPI Snacks for Faculty & Staff
Spearheaded by our WNS families, we thank our faculty and staff for their support of AAPI Heritage Month! Faculty and staff can enjoy snacks and treats from the faculty lounge (timings to follow).
Wednesday, May 24
Tabla Presentation by Neel Agrawal at Community Gathering
Join us at Community Gathering for a special performance by Neel Agrawal, a talented percussionist, composer, educator, and social justice advocate.
- 8:15-8:45am
Events and times may be subject to change. Please keep an eye on this page for the latest information. Where necessary, information regarding accessing events – both online or on-campus – will also be communicated via email.
Event Spotlights
Korean Fan Dance
Date: May 3
Time: 8:15am
Korean Classical Music and Dance Company
An intricate, stylized fan dance in the finest tradition of the Korean court. Under the artistic direction of Don Kim, Korean Classical Music & Dance Company performs the ceremonial and social dances that are an integral part of Korean culture. This splendidly costumed ensemble boasts a rich and varied repertoire of exciting dances that are presented with the grace and elegance characteristic of this ancient traditional dance form. The performance also includes traditional music played on authentic Far Eastern instruments.
Food kit information: Veggie/Tofu OR shrimp. $13 per kit, recommend 1 kit per person
Vietnamese Summer Rolls Cooking Demo
Date: May 17
Time: 6:30pm (virtual)
Siblings Elaine and Victor Phuong have always wanted to open a restaurant to honor their mother’s cooking. After experimenting with old family recipes and a lot of research, the Phuongs went all in, along other family members, to open Nong Lá, a restaurant that celebrates the food they grew up eating. They now have two locations; the original is found on Sawtelle Blvd. with their second shop located on La Brea Ave.
Tabla Presentation
Date: May 24
Time: 8:15am
Neel Agrawal is a multi-percussionist incorporating various musical styles into his own unique sound. He performs with leading musicians in a wide range of contexts, including jazz, world fusion, Indian and Western classical, rock, jazz, electronic, hip hop, and film.
Current Year Highlights
Check out some of the exciting events from this year so far! We can’t wait to continue celebrating and building community with you all this May.
Resource Corner
2023 AAPI Resources Guide
Anti-Racist and Anti-Bias Education is a Journey, not a destination.
Here are some resources we have gathered so far to help you in your travels.
This is a living document that will be updated.
Please click below for a list of charities focused on combatting the rise in anti-Asian racism, hate attacks, and discrimination.
© 2023 WNS | Westside Neighborhood School.