This week excitement was high as 40 students from different grade levels participated in designing and decorating gingerbread masterpieces. From candy canes to gumdrop pathways, students used their creativity to showcase their unique ideas in the gingerbread house decorating contest.
“I wanted something that was different from what the students may have done before,” said Callie Flusche, Ridgewood Media Specialist. “We have some exciting things that happen around the district during this time of year, but I wanted to put a new spin on a holiday activity!”
Flusche invited local architects from Parkhill to lend their professional expertise to judging the gingerbread houses.
“I hoped they would bring an unbiased opinion when looking at the houses. The students put hard work and effort, and I was blown away by the creativity! I wanted them to give their ‘expert’ opinions as to the creativity and craftsmanship of each house,” said Flusche.
After the votes were in, winners from various grade levels were named. Congratulations to the following students:
- Best Craftsmanship: Josiah Arreola, 2nd Grade
- Out-of-the-Box Thinking: Vianne Diaz, Kindergarten
- Most Festive: Shelby Ballaentine, 4th Grade
- House System Design: Penelope Hinojos, 3rd Grade (Compassio, Altruismo, Fidelitas, Integritas, Isibindi)
- Overall Winner: Niko Berunda, 2nd Grade
- Honorable mention: Audra Goodman, 3rd Grade
Third-grade student Penelope Hinojos enjoyed working on the project and making memories with her parents.
“My favorite part was adding the gumdrops on the side and my mom and dad helping me put it together,” said Hinojos.
Another student, Niko Borunda in 2nd grade, enjoyed cutting and measuring out the cardboard pieces. He shares that the most challenging part was keeping the house intact once it was designed.
“Gluing it all together and making it stay until it dried was the hardest part of making the house,” said Borunda.
This week the students also participated in a fun activity in the library about Christmas cookies around the world. Flusche was excited to lead the students through a lesson about various countries and their holiday cultures and traditions.
“I had a book that shared about cookies that Santa eats, and we discussed the sweet side of holiday traditions, which tied in perfectly with students voting on the gingerbread houses,” said Flusche. “At the end, students got to try 3 different types of cookies, Scotland, Russian and German.”
Ridgewood’s Library Aide Alla Lujan, originally from Russia, shared her family’s cherished traditions with the students.
“I presented about the countries I had been to and had experienced and how fun it was to have a person who didn’t just visit but lived these traditions from another country,” said Flusche. “She shared more about the New Years tradition, since that is more common. Other students who had a cultural connection were also encouraged to share their experiences at each table.”
Flusche believes that activities like Christmas Cookies from Around the World help foster cultural understanding and promote respect for diversity.
“Activities like this encourage the view from other people’s eyes. It helps create respect for differences. Knowing about other cultures and customs helps with interpersonal skills,” said Flusche. “I am always an advocate for anything that pushes our imaginations! Interactions with other cultures and perspectives help with broadening our own imaginations as to what is possible.”
The gingerbread house decorating contest and the Christmas cookies from around the world activity brought holiday cheer and a unique learning experience to Ridgewood Elementary. Students not only showcased their creativity but also gained an appreciation for diverse traditions and cultures.
Events like these highlight the joy of the season while fostering a sense of community and imagination. Great work, Ridgewood students!