Education

Japanese Traditions Celebrated at ICAGeorgia

Published

3 months ago

February 4, 2025

Shawne Taylor

Young student pounding sticky rice with a large wooden mallet at an outdoor Japanese new year event

Since the opening of the International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) in 2018, their students have been immersed in Japanese language and culture, including starting each new year (osho-gatsu) — Japan’s most important holiday — with two traditional rituals: Kakizome (New Year Japanese calligraphy) and Mochitsuki (New Year rice pounding).

This year, the students at the K-6 dual-language school in Peachtree Corners, gathered in the gym to practice and demonstrate their growing calligraphy skills and again outdoors a couple of weeks later for the physical fun of mochitsuki.

Kakizome

Literally translated as “first writing,” kakizome is a form of artistic calligraphy of the Japanese language that’s done at the start of each year to express hopes and positive wishes for the year ahead. Using traditional calligraphy brushes and ink, and often expressed through poetry, New Year’s resolutions or an auspicious word, kakizome is a special time to clear your mind and focus on the brush strokes.

Japanese brush and ink calligraphy from students at a dual-language school

Students practicing Japanese calligraphy with brush and ink

According to a press release from the school, for ICAGeorgia’s kakizome event, each student, including the youngest kindergartners, used a traditional brush (ふで) and ink (すみ) to write a Japanese word of their choice — for example, “新年 (new year)” “元日 (New Years Day)” or “もち (mochi).”And, because 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar, 巳 (snake) was included in the word selection.

Mochitsuki

“In Japan, people make ‘mochi’ or pounded rice to celebrate the New Year,” shared Junko Jones, CFO of ICAGeorgia. “Mochi is sticky, so people eat it to help them ‘stick’ with their goals for the year — and they do it with family, friends and people in the community who they would like to ‘stick’ together [with]. Mochi can also be used as a decoration for New Year’s celebrations.”

Pounding the sticky rice into mochi with a wooden mallet is hard work, but the celebration is also one of Japan’s most fun (and popular) traditions.

Man and students at a dual-language school pounding rice with a wooden mallet at Japanese new year event.

Students at a dual-language school pounding rice with a wooden mallet at Japanese new year event.

For the school’s mochitsuki event, each student had an opportunity to pound and taste the mochi rice. All of the ingredients were donated by ICAGeorgia parents, and the mochi rice was cooked by ICAGeorgia parent volunteers on the day of the event — making it true school community celebration.

After pounding the rice, students, staff and volunteers enjoyed delicious rice cakes (omochi) together, welcoming the new year and looking forward to a happy and successful 2025.

About ICAGeorgia

The International Charter Academy of Georgia offers a dual language immersion program in English and Japanese, allowing students to learn both languages through a variety of subjects, including math, science, social studies, art, music and physical education. Japanese instruction is based on the Japanese Ministry of Education curriculum, and teachers collaborate across departments.

The school’s mission is “to broaden the horizons of students in Georgia so that they may become global citizens who promote peace throughout the world.” This is achieved not only through language learning, but also through cultural activities. But the best way to promote peace and understanding is through interactions among the students themselves, who make up an extremely diverse community.

For more information, visit internationalcharteracademy.org.

Photos courtesy of ICAGeorgia.

Up Next

Greater Atlanta Christian School Announces $30M Campus Investment

Don't Miss

McBath Slams Proposed Tax on HOPE Scholarship

Shawne Taylor

Community

Simpson Elementary Marks Exceptional Children’s Week

Published

2 weeks ago

May 7, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Four women and one man standing in front of a colorful wall at an elementary school for Exceptional Children's Week

Simpson Elementary School celebrated Exceptional Children’s Week (ECW) last month with five days of special activities to recognize their special needs population and all of their exceptional students.

April 14–18 is set aside each year to celebrate children with disabilities, gifts and talents. This year’s ECW theme was Bridging Gaps and Building Futures, and the school was happy to take part.

They highlighted each day of the week on the morning news with fun facts about notable people in society — and throughout history — who have overcome challenges with their disabilities, including actor Daniel Radcliffe (who has lived with dyspraxia for his entire life), Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Frida Kahlo and Helen Keller.

Simpson Elementary’s technology team also pre-recorded various special needs classes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day of the week.

Guest speaker

To end their ECW with a bang, they invited former Simpson Elementary parent, State Representative Scott Hilton, to come in and speak to their K-2 classes about raising his son, Chase (who is autistic and now a student at Norcross High School), and how being different is okay.

“Showing kindness and being inclusive is the best version of humanity,” said Dr. Taffeta Connery, Simpson Elementary School principal, in a statement about the event.

“Simpson Elementary has a special needs population of 214 (23%) of 946 students. [And] … we strive to ensure that our students are valued, recognized and instilled with high expectations for all.”

For more about Simpson Elementary, visit simpsones.gcpsk12.org.

Education

Paul Duke STEM High School Student Earns CGO Scholarship

Published

3 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Senior portrait of a young white man wearing a black suit, white button up shirt and black bowtie. He has short brown hair parted in the middle, and he's smiling as he sits in front of a muted blue background.

Cobb Global Outreach Inc. (CGO Inc.), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing financial literacy and educational opportunities, recently awarded three scholarships to metro Atlanta high school seniors, including one to Paul Duke STEM student, Baylor M. Brown.

The scholarship initiative underscores CGO Inc.’s commitment to empowering youth through financial education and support.

According to CGO’s social media pages, these outstanding students have shown incredible dedication and resilience in their academic journeys. “We are proud to support their continued success and look forward to seeing all that they will achieve!”

Scholarship details and impact

The scholarships provided by CGO Inc. are designed to alleviate financial barriers and encourage academic excellence among students pursuing higher education. Each scholarship recipient will receive financial assistance to support their educational endeavors, along with resources to enhance their understanding of financial management and literacy.

The scholarship recipients have demonstrated remarkable potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their local community and beyond.

Bobby Cobb, CEO and founder of Cobb Global Outreach Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to support the students … . By investing in their education and financial literacy, we aim to equip them with the skills necessary for a successful and financially secure future.”

Looking ahead

Cobb Global Outreach Inc. remains committed to expanding its scholarship programs and financial literacy initiatives. The organization plans to collaborate with additional schools and community partners to further its mission of closing the wealth gap and fostering economic empowerment among youth.

About Cobb Global Outreach Inc.

Founded in January 2021, Cobb Global Outreach Inc. is dedicated to educating middle and high school students about financial literacy. The organization believes that providing students with tools and resources related to financial literacy will help narrow the wealth gap and promote economic empowerment.

For more information, visit cobbglobaloutreachinc.com.

Community

PCBA Announces 2025 Scholarship Winner

Published

3 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A group of people standing with a young Asian American high school senior. They are holding a large cardboard check made out for $1,000 as a scholarship for the teen.

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded local high school senior, Heidi Chung, a $1,000 scholarship during their April 24 Business After Hours event. Heidi and her family were presented with the scholarship and introduced to the organization’s members and guests at the monthly gathering.

Heidi was accepted by several colleges and has selected the University of Kentucky to continue her education, pursuing a degree in nursing. When asked what lessons she has learned from her experiences volunteering and serving in the community throughout her life, Heidi commented, “I have learned that true leadership is about service, taking initiative and persevering through challenges.”

A group of women from the PCBA standing with an Asian American high school girl and her parents. They are holding a large cardboard check made out for $1,000 for a scholarship for the teen. — Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Sam Chung; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Tenise Chung; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; and Allison Reinert, PCBA Board.

Scholarship Chair Donna Linden and Outreach Director Suzanna Martinez shared that the scholarship committee was impressed with Heidi’s many accomplishments, “whether she was organizing fundraisers, leading performance groups or helping athletes recover from injuries, Heidi demonstrated a positive impact on the community, as well as outstanding academic results.”

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at PCBA’s monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the individuals and organizations.

A group of people from the PCBA standing with a young Asian American, female high school senior. They are presenting her with a scholarship for $1,000. — Allison Reinert, PCBA Board; Suzanna Martinez, PCBA Board; Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Chris McDonald, PCBA Community Outreach; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; Toby Anderson, PCBA Board; and Audrey Boyce, PCBA Community Outreach.

“We are so proud that the PCBA has … awarded 20 scholarships to outstanding future business leaders and donated in excess of $173,000 into our metro Atlanta community over the last 13 years,” stated Lisa Proctor, PCBA board president.

About Peachtree Corners Business Association

“Where Businesses Come to Grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.

The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.

For more information, call 678-969-3385, email membership@peachtreecornersba.com or visit peachtreecornersba.com.