An Open House at the DANK German Language Schools

DANK Chapter 26: Chicago Northern Suburbs

Open House and Bring a Friend Day - Family Events at our Arlington Heights and Palatine Schools on November 4 and 6

The Kindergarten Classes at both schools celebrated St. Martinstag, including the Parents-Tots Class at Arlington Heights.

St. Martin's Day on November 11 is a religious observance in Germany that is particularly popular with children. It is dedicated to St. Martin of Tours and celebrates modesty and altruism - both values commonly associated with the saint. As the holiday was traditionally followed by a fast that lasted until Christmas, many traditions on St. Martin's Day center on food.

The 4-year-olds and the 5-year-olds, along with the Parents-Tots Class at Arlington Heights celebrated with different St. Martin's activities, including crafting a lantern, participating in the St. Martin's Parade, and singing popular St. Martin's songs.

At both schools, Levels 4 to Level 9, including the adult classes, celebrated Martin Luther by following his footsteps throughout Germany.

2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the year Martin Luther published his 95 Theses protesting the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church, which created a Reformation movement across Europe that changed the history of the church, country, and world forever. It is believed that he actually nailed a copy of his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. He was a monk, professor and church reformer, author, translator, song writer, and poet.

Each class presented an aspect of Martin Luther's legacy such as: Luther's bibliography, Luther and the Bible, and popular Luther quotes such as "Glauben ohne Liebe ist nichts wert," "Belief without Love is worthless."

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a reception with refreshments including a German bretzel