Hello all,
Thanksgiving Week, while short, was a complete success! The students spent the two and a half school days learning about the events that led up to the first Thanksgiving while creating beautiful Thanksgiving-inspired crafts! Read on below to learn about all that took place throughout this short but fun week!
After reading a story about the first Thanksgiving on Monday morning, the students created a Native American puppet! Later in the week, they would make a craft project to remember the other important group of people involved in Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims! Look below to see how Monday’s puppet was assembled.
On Tuesday, the students created a beautiful and colorful turkey! Using assorted colored feathers, these turkeys were assembled complete with a holiday greeting on their bellies!
During the afternoon on Monday and Tuesday, the students discussed both the story of and the spirit of Thanksgiving! To begin, the teachers asked the students, “Why would you say, ‘Thank You’ to someone?”. Their responses included answers such as, “when someone helps you with something” or “when someone gives you something nice”. It was concluded that you say “Thank you” to someone when they make you feel loved, happy, or special. It was also concluded that saying “Thank You” is a nice thing to do.
Having figured this out, the teachers then asked the students, “Who packed your lunch today?” The students replied that their Mommies or Daddies had packed them lunch. They were then asked if they thought it was nice of Mommy and Daddy to pack such a yummy lunch which they all agreed it was. The teachers then asked if any of the students had said, “Thank You” to Mommy and Daddy this morning. They looked a bit surprised when they realized that they had not. The teachers explained that Mommies and Daddies do so much for the students each and every day because they love them very much. It is always nice to say “Thank You” to Mommies and Daddies and Thanksgiving is a special time of year where people remember to do just that! Thanksgiving Day is a day where everyone takes the time to really think about all the people who help them in their lives as well as all the things that they have and say, “Thank You”. Thanksgiving is all about appreciating and valuing the very many people and things that sometimes we forget to say thank you for.
The students created an amazing class list to help think about the many things they are thankful for. Here is what they came up with!
Also in the afternoon, the students participated in a technology presentation all about Thanksgiving! Click below to hear a bit about the holiday!
On Wednesday, the students came to school for a half-day but it surely did not affect the level of learning and fun that took place! Look below to see the students in action while creating their Pilgrim Puppets!
The fun continued on Wednesday as the students welcomed back an old friend who was visiting from the wild world of Kindergarten! The PPA alum photographed below spent the morning with the students answering all of their questions about what kindergarten is like! It is always so nice seeing old friends! What a wonderful visit it was! A special PPA Thank You to this Kindergartener for visiting! 🙂
The students, Pilgrim Puppets in tow, headed home on Wednesday at noon to begin their holiday festivities! Everyone at Park Prep Academy would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for the amazing students and families that have helped make this school year so special and wonderful. Safe travels and enjoy your long holiday weekend!
-PPA
Reminders:
School Closed for Thanksgiving Recess
Thursday and Friday, November 26th and 27th
Theme for Next Week:
Next week is letter H week. We will be learning what the holiday spirit is about – Helping others! For this reason, next week will be called,
Letter H is for Helping Week!
The students will take part in Park Prep Academy’s efforts to help various local organizations. Here is the Helping schedule for next week.
Wednesday
PPA Helps Senior Citizens!
The students will be creating multiple holiday cards which the teachers will
distribute (later that evening)to the permanent senior residents of AtarisHealth Care Center.
Thursday
PPA Helps Rescued Animals of LHS!
The students will be baking and wrapping Dog/Cat treats that will be distributed to the rescued animals.
Liberty Humane Society of Jersey City
www.libertyhumane.org
235 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City
Friday
PPA Helps U.S. Troops through Operation Goodybag!
The students will be decorating and stuffing as many goodybags as possible
to send to the U.S. troops spending their holidays overseas!
Presentation by the Founder of Operation Goodybag – Jane Cosco (10:00 a.m)
In lieu of shares next week, we kindly ask that you bring in
non-perishable food item(s) – i.e. canned or dried goods.
At the end of the week, all food donations that have been made by the PPA families will be donated to a Hudson County food pantry.