Washington Elementary first-graders help provide then enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meal

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

First-graders at Washington Elementary School in Charles City enjoyed a Thanksgiving-style feast Tuesday, the last day of classes this week before Thanksgiving vacation started on Wednesday.

First-grade teacher Brandy Mutch explained that the first-grade meal has become a tradition over the last several years, and each child is asked to contribute one food item to the meal if they are able. The Parent Teacher Organization provides the turkeys.

Students also help prepare the meal by making “pumpkin pie in a bag” that is served in drinking cups.

“It’s a way for students to use our Leader in Me Habit 6 Synergize — working together is better,” said Mutch. “It also helps to build our community and culture in our classrooms. We have several staff members that volunteer to help serve the students.”

All the grades had a Thanksgiving-style meal last week, provided by the district’s food-service company, Tahar, but Tuesday’s event was just for the first-graders.