If one of the hallmarks of the Thanksgiving season is surrounding oneself with friends and loved ones to break bread, some local students got into the holiday spirit in a big way this week. 

On Tuesday morning, Greenvale fifth graders took part in the school’s long running “Friendsgiving” tradition, sharing a festive breakfast with their classmates that spoke to the strong bonds they have forged over their last four years at Greenvale.

Anna Messar—a Greenvale PTA member who served as the event chair—said that “Friendsgiving” has become a staple of the fifth-grade experience at Greenvale in large part because it ties into the themes of togetherness that are so integral to the Thanksgiving season. 

“It’s always important to have events that bring the fifth-grade class all together,” added PTA volunteer Marie Tedesco. “They’re separated into five different classes, so it’s great to be able to bring them together as one class . . . it’s a special moment.”

Working with Aramark—the district’s food service provider—PTA members served the fifth graders a hearty breakfast and watched as the youngsters shared food and merriment ahead of the mini-break from school coming up at the end of the week.

And while the event provided an indelible memory for Greenvale students, Messar admitted that being a part of the day was just as special for Greenvale’s fifth-grade parents.

"This year, there are some of us who have our youngest child graduating from Greenvale, so it’s literally the end of an era for some of us,” said Messar. “The kids will be moving onto middle school and middle school is great, but it’s not the same. 

“As the kids get older, they tend to go their separate ways,” she added. “But it’s so nice for parents to see their children interact with their friends at an event like this.”