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Struthers 4th-graders decorate gingerbread houses with family
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Kristine Botak and her nephew, Alec Dankovich, used different kinds of candy to trim their gingerbread house.
STRUTHERS
A longtime holiday tradition continued this year for fourth-graders and their families at Struthers Elementary School, 520 Ninth St.
Students built gingerbread houses while in class over the week, and decorated them using supplies their parents brought from home.
“It’s an opportunity for students to interact with parents for the holidays,” Principal Dennis Hynes said Wednesday.
There are 130 students in the fourth-grade class that were all together in the cafeteria. With six classes in that grade, the teachers planned and organized the event.
“It’s one of the few things they look forward to before moving on to middle school,” Hynes said.
The tradition started more than 20 years ago by fourth-grade teacher Derrell Wilkes, who retired last year but still attended the event. The event provides one-on-one time for students and parents.
Among those in the crowded cafeteria was Jennifer DeSalvo, and her daughter Jersey Ludovici, making it the third time she has attended the holiday event.
She kept the previous two gingerbread houses frozen and brings them out every Christmas as a centerpiece on their table at home.
“I love it,” DeSalvo said while putting green icing on a Christmas tree. “We have a great time.”