As the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving is approaching our community, both students and staff are excited to enjoy their break as it gives everyone a great opportunity to spend some much-needed time with family and friends.
This holiday goes back to the early 1600s when a harvest feast took place between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, a Native American tribe. This tribe helped the English settlers survive the harsh conditions of the winter season. Both groups of people celebrated a harvest with a three-day feast which therefore inspired the holiday of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving revolves around the concept of family and it is important for everybody to celebrate this holiday with their loved ones. So many happy yet chaotic memories are made in the midst of all the Thanksgiving planning and cooking.
Madai Ventura (12) says, “During the break, I’m planning to sleep in and learn how to cook something new. I’m in charge of the dessert for our Thanksgiving feast, so I’m baking my family a delicious surprise.”
Many people have sweet memories of this special holiday from their previous school years. Class activities in elementary school for Thanksgiving are common and appreciated by many students. These elementary school traditions would mainly consist of artistic activities in order to keep students occupied while working on something that everybody could enjoy.
Lilly Hartlaub (11) says, “In elementary school, we would have feasts with our friends and we would make paper hats using our classroom art supplies, like markers, glue, paper and feathers as well.”
Tigerlilee Flores (11) says, “I remember in elementary school we would make hand turkeys using colored paper among other artistic tasks. To me, these activities made the holiday very memorable because our class would also eat the food that teachers and parent volunteers brought in for us.”
Different families have different traditions for what they do for Thanksgiving. Hallie Lewengrub (12) says, “Over break, I’m looking forward to hanging out with my friends and finishing my college applications. I always go to my aunt’s house for Thanksgiving.”
Even though Thanksgiving break is supposed to give everyone some time off, students will continue to study now and then for their final exams. Teachers will grade tests and assignments over break as it is important to not do everything all at once.
Schoolwork is much easier to successfully complete when more time is provided so Thanksgiving break will give everyone an opportunity for free time and study time as well. Although Thanksgiving is about family, friendships and quality time, the feeling of gratitude arrives more than ever during this holiday season.
Kimia Ahmadi (11) says, “I’m most grateful for my friends because they help me in so many different ways and they always know how to make me laugh.”
Thanksgiving is more than just a week off from school. It’s a reminder of the values that motivate people to appreciate what they have in life. The educational community looks forward to this holiday each and every year and after a week of break, students and staff return to school feeling refreshed and prepared.
