Cookies and Cocoa Day

On December 17th, the Early Learning Center welcomed families for its annual Cookies and Cocoa Day, a special celebration filled with warmth, learning, and togetherness. Students invited family members, ranging from big sisters and aunts to moms, dads and grandparents to spend time in their classrooms and share in the experience.

Families enjoyed cookies and warm cocoa while students practiced important fine motor skills by pinching marshmallows and shaking sprinkles from shakers. These hands-on moments blended festive fun with meaningful learning throughout the day. Classroom activities added to the excitement and creativity. Children explored fake snow sensory play, participated in rhyming gingerbread games, created art projects, made gingerbread houses, and spent time in their regular classroom centers, proudly showing families the toys and materials they use each day. Family members joined their children in play, connected with one another, and had the opportunity to observe their children interacting with classmates and teachers in their everyday learning environment.

The celebration was made even more special with the help of Mrs. Omiecinski, who brought 35 National Junior Honor Society students from OLHMS to assist in classrooms and help serve treats. Ms. Petschenko and Mrs. Omiecinski joined forces to make this special day possible, helping build meaningful connections between the littlest learners and the biggest helpers.

Teacher Ms. Annie Biondo shared, “Seeing all the kids playing with their families and middle schoolers and showing them around the classroom was so fun to watch! It’s like they were the teacher for the day and they were so proud to show everyone around their classroom and their favorite things.”

A special visitor, Gingy the Gingerbread Man, stopped by classrooms for smiles and photos, and a festive photo booth with fun props captured joyful memories for families to cherish. Cookies and Cocoa Day was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate learning, and create lasting memories, making it a truly sweet day at the ELC.