The Thanksgiving Gathering of 2024 at The Studio School was a vibrant and heartwarming celebration, full of creativity, community, and gratitude. We were delighted to have Ms. Bennett and baby Sula join us from California via Zoom for our gathering. Ms. Bennett shared the following reflection: “Sula had such a wonderful time joining her very first Studio Thanksgiving Gathering on Zoom! It was so special to share it with her, pointing out familiar faces—students, teachers, and parents alike. We marveled at the gorgeous murals and beautiful table settings, and Sula and I couldn’t help but dance and sing along to every song. Though we couldn’t taste the delicious meal, I made sure to tell Sula all about the wonderful dishes you were enjoying. Studio’s Thanksgiving Gathering is always such a heartwarming and meaningful event, and I truly appreciate the care and effort by everyone that goes into making it so special. Sending all our love to the Studio community - I miss you dearly and can’t wait to be together again soon!”
The title Through Generations: the land, the water, the skies, the animals, the people beautifully encompassed the cyclical relationship between humanity and the Earth, and how those connections transcend generations. The program included the wise words of Native American poet Joy Harjo, For Calling the Spirit Back from Wandering the Earth in Its Human Feet, read by the eighth graders, setting the tone for reflection and unity.
Children of all ages, along with their teachers, our staff, and especially our incredible kitchen chefs, contributed to the gathering in meaningful ways: from singing joyful songs, creating beautiful murals, transforming the gym and lunchroom into a banquet of festooned tables, to preparing delicious food.
Nearly 200 guests gathered in person (and some via Zoom) to celebrate our Studio community, and the sense of shared joy was palpable. Conversations flowed easily between guests, with laughter, food, and appreciation for the rich history of the indigenous peoples who have long inhabited the land. In keeping with the spirit of inclusivity and respect, an Anishinaabe proverb was shared by Ms. Rotter to remind everyone of the importance of community and the central role of the heart: “The heart is your center, from your center outward.”
Teachers and students alike reflected on the creative process and the joy of coming together to make the event possible. One teacher described how students crafted magical plasticine placecard holders, including miniature pies, beloved literary characters like Wilbur from Charlotte's Web, and a myriad of realistic apples and gourds. These figurines added a personal touch to the celebration and served as a testament to each child’s unique interests and creativity.
A student shared, “When I came to add my drawing to the tablecloths, I felt the energy that was there. I got so excited. Thinking of what to draw and talking to my friends about their ideas was fun. I also got to see all the past drawings and find the names of people I know.” Another student added, “Having everyone gather and see everything we made was fulfilling.”
Cooking was another highlight of the preparations. One class eagerly prepared the sweet potatoes, which they peeled and chopped with great enthusiasm. A teacher remarked on the excitement expressed by the children, noting how the children’s Kitchen Science skills were put to the test as they worked together. A student commented, “My class made the sweet potatoes. They were messy, but very yummy to eat!” Another added, “My favorite part of the gathering was the food. It was so good and everyone took the time to have fun.”
The pumpkin pie-making process with the Sixes and Sevens sparked many interesting conversations about everything from the biology of eggs to the origins of cinnamon. One teacher described the process as “a multi-layered recipe for Thanksgiving: collaboration, communication, creativity, and care. Baking and cooking for others is such a joyful experience, and one that I love to be part of at The Studio School.”
One of the standout features of the event were the murals, created by students ranging from ages six to fourteen. These murals exquisitely captured the theme of time, while also paying homage to how Native American tribes interpret the concept of time. Each group worked collaboratively to express these themes as one student shared, “My favorite part was making the murals. We discussed what time meant to us, and we all agreed that a garden represents both growth and a life cycle.”
Another student reflected on the experience of working together, “I really enjoyed working with my mural group this year. Everyone contributed ideas, and we worked so smoothly together to paint our mural.” When the murals were displayed, one student marveled at the finished works, “All of the murals are so beautiful. Everyone worked so hard and put so much detail into them.”
One middle schooler wrote, “This year’s Thanksgiving Gathering was astounding! This year truly offered the chance for everyone to come together and connect. Everyone sang beautifully and I found that I enhanced my singing abilities and very much enjoyed working with the group.” A younger child said, “During the singing at the Gathering, I felt a little nervous, but after a few minutes I began to enjoy myself. It was a great experience.” Another member of the chorus added, “The singing was great, especially when it was time for me to sing, I sang on the right note!”
The 2024 Thanksgiving Gathering was a testament to the power of creativity, community, and shared joy. It was a morning filled with connection across generations, a beautiful reflection of the work and care that goes into making these gatherings meaningful and memorable. The love and effort from students, teachers, staff, and families made this year's celebration one to cherish for years to come.
