A warm and simple Thanksgiving celebration brought students together in Willie Smith’s Culinary Arts classroom for a meaningful day of food, friendship and
gratitude. Students helped prepare and share easy dishes such as rolls, salads, fruit platters and a pumpkin dessert while practicing basic food safety habits like hand washing and keeping work areas clean. The celebration included a short circle time where students shared what they were thankful for, along with a creative group activity in which they built a gratitude tree by writing thankful notes and attaching them to branches. Through describing their dishes and helping with setup and cleanup,
students practiced communication, cooperation and responsibility. Teachers used the event to discuss cultural traditions and the importance of gratitude, while simple music and student artwork added to the festive and relaxed atmosphere. Conversations and shared tastes of different foods helped strengthen connections among students. Overall, the culinary arts classroom Thanksgiving successfully brought students together, built a sense of community, celebrated diversity and gave everyone a chance to reflect on what they value while enjoying the true spirit of the season.
