Francone Elementary School fourth grade students Nathalia Cruz, far left, and Perla Sales, second from right, advocated for CFISD students to experience Lunar New Year lunch on Jan. 29 in honor of the “Year of the Snake” Lunar New Year celebration. Cruz and Sales are pictured with Melissa Martin, Francone principal, second from left, and Rebecca Qian, CFISD nutrition services field supervisor, far right.

 Feb. 6, 2025—CFISD students experienced a Lunar New Year lunch on Jan. 29 as a result of the efforts and advocacy of Francone Elementary School fourth grade students Nathalia Cruz and Perla Sales.

Cruz and Sales read a story about celebrations around the world and Lunar New Year sparked their interest. They later wrote a letter to Francone principal, Melissa Martin, to ask about the possibility of celebrating Lunar New Year with a special lunch. Martin sent the letter to the CFISD nutrition services department, and the idea was then approved.

CFISD students enjoyed a Lunar New Year lunch in celebration of the Year of the Snake that included potstickers, lo mein, garden salad, Asian stir fry vegetables, clementines and a fortune cookie.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to see that their voice can make an impact,” Martin said. “All of our Falcons were excited about the special menu options and we were all so very proud of Nathalia and Perla for their advocacy and leadership. Nutrition services did an outstanding job of putting this together for all CFISD students to enjoy!”

The Lunar New Year lunch included potstickers, lo mein, garden salad, Asian stir fry vegetables, clementines and a fortune cookie. CFISD nutrition services also provided students with a “Year of the Snake” bookmark to commemorate the celebration of Lunar New Year.