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Culture Corner: December Spotlight

By Sigita Newsom
Our school is committed to fostering a community where every individual feels a true sense of belonging and connection. Through intentional programs, initiatives, and resources like our newsletter, Culture Corner, which explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging, we create opportunities for students, employees, families and future community members to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through campus activities, clubs, assemblies, conversations, or the books we share, we strive to promote awareness, acceptance, and meaningful connections. One of our cornerstone initiatives is the Family Program, which brings together students across grade levels, along with faculty and staff, into “families” that remain constant throughout a child’s journey at JTD. Through family assemblies and shared experiences, these groups build lasting relationships, creating moments of joy, connection, and mutual understanding.
During our December Family Assembly, we explored winter holidays celebrated by various cultures and religions, all united by the theme of light. By learning about how candles are used in the menorah during Hanukkah, in the Advent wreath leading up to Christmas, and in the kinara during Kwanzaa, our students discovered that light plays a central role in each celebration. Light is a powerful symbol in many holidays around the world, bringing people together, celebrating joy, and reminding us of our shared connection. We also learned about the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, which occurs on December 21. This day encourages reflection on the past while looking ahead to the future. We focused on how we could be the light as we enter the holiday season and the new year. To reflect, we participated in an activity where we thought about what we wanted to leave behind in the darkness and what we wanted to bring into the light in the coming year. 

As we explored the Winter Solstice, we learned that this day marks a time for renewal. Long ago, people used this time to let go of old worries and embrace new hopes. We followed this tradition by writing down things we wanted to release, such as fears or bad habits, and safely let them go by tearing them up. Then, we wrote down our hopes and dreams for the new year on a paper candle, focusing on the positive things we wanted to nurture. This practice helped us feel lighter, happier, and ready for a bright new beginning!

Additionally, this week's Culture Club highlighted the traditions of Las Posadas, a vibrant Mexican tradition celebrated from December 16 to 24, symbolizing themes of hospitality, unity, and faith. It reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem through candlelit processions, where participants visit homes, sing carols, and are welcomed with food, music, and festivities. Central to the celebration are piñatas, representing joy and tradition, and gatherings that emphasize togetherness and cultural heritage. During this week’s Culture Club session, students explored this tradition by creating colorful piñatas, learning about their significance, and appreciating the spirit of community and celebration that defines Las Posadas.

The holiday season is a special time of year at JTD. Our entire school community is brought together through cherished traditions and shared experiences. In this month's edition of the Culture Corner, we invited faculty and staff to share their favorite holiday memories and traditions. This allowed students and their families to connect with faculty and staff members on a deeper level and appreciate the unique moments that make this time of year so meaningful. Together, these traditions and shared experiences remind us that connection, understanding, and belonging are at the heart of our JTD community–not just during the holidays, but all year long. 

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The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.