Ohlone Elementary owes much of its vibrant cultural tapestry to the dedicated efforts of Nerissa Wong-VanHaren, an influential figure in the school community. In a recent interview, Nerissa shared her journey and the pivotal role she played in bringing the Lunar New Year celebration to Ohlone, a tradition that continues to thrive.
"At the time, my daughter got off the waitlist and joined the Mandarin immersion program in 2008," Nerissa explained, shedding light on the program's beginnings. Recognizing the unique cultural context, she took the initiative to introduce a Lunar New Year celebration to the school. "I approached Bill (Overton) and the teachers about the idea, and they were supportive and liked the fact that we would bring the lunar celebration to the whole school."
The centerpiece of this celebration became the Dragon Dance, a 70-foot long masterpiece crafted by Nerissa herself. Describing the creative process, she shared, "I talked to the art teachers and bought three-foot squares of red satin for each class. Each class came back with painted, decorated squares, and I sewed them together with my sewing machine." Her DIY approach, coupled with collaborative efforts from parents, brought the vision to life.
As the Lunar New Year celebration evolved, it became a multi-faceted event, featuring lion dancers, arts and crafts, and even inviting authors of Lunar New Year-themed books. Reflecting on the positive response, Nerissa stated, "I'm really happy to see that it's continued. We used to take kids to some of the other elementary schools, and it's a great affirmation of the culture, especially in our diverse community."
Nerissa's dedication to sharing cultural knowledge with the broader community extended beyond the Lunar New Year celebration. With a background in education, including a master's degree from Stanford, she seamlessly blended her passion for teaching with her commitment to the Ohlone community.
In the early days of the Mandarin Immersion program, Nerissa acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers adapting to the atypical school structure. Despite the initial growing pains, she highlighted the commitment of the community and the positive impact of bilingual education.
As the Lunar New Year celebration continues to thrive at Ohlone Elementary, Nerissa Wong-VanHaren's legacy stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in enriching the educational experience. Her creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit have left an indelible mark on the school's cultural landscape, fostering a strong sense of community pride.
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