IN Greensburg Salem Spring 2017 | Page 40

Thanksgiving Dinner a Tradition for Nicely Elementary Teacher
Seasonal Performances Mark the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
All Stars Unite for Holiday Concert
Thanksgiving Dinner a Tradition for Nicely Elementary Teacher
The irresistible aroma of roasted turkey filled the halls of Nicely , drawing students and staff to the door of Mary Jo Holtzer ’ s classroom . Inside , Mrs . Holtzer and her team of aides had prepared the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for the students of her Life Skills class . The delicious sampling of holiday foods were ready , and the students were too ! Carved turkey , creamy mashed potatoes , fragrant stuffing , zesty cranberry sauce , and fresh rolls were just a few of the items on the seemingly endless buffet . The students welcomed Dr . Eileen Amato , Mr . Todd McMillen , Mrs . Kelly Gustafson , Mr . Chris Thomas , Mrs . Liz Jones , and Mrs . Melissa Bowman to the meal to

Joshua Kirshner , Kennedy Briggs and Jullian Dixon enjoying the Thanksgiving feast ! reensburg Salem GREENSBURG SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Coordinator of Elementary Education Kelly Gustafson and Richard Tresco discuss their favorite Thanksgiving foods .
Seasonal Performances Mark the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
All Stars Unite for Holiday Concert
GSHS students Jacob Kalp , Sophia Roy , Morgan Heinbaugh , and Tristan Elma performed with the All Star Choir of Westmoreland County under the direction of Melody Vigo during the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra ’ s “ Home for the Holidays Concert ” in December . The choir was chosen from ten high schools in the county , with the performance featuring an enjoyable evening of holiday music .
38 | Greensburg-Salem celebrate . Students tasted new foods and chatted with the adults , who joined them at the “ kids ’ table .” The celebration culminated with Dr . Amato reading ‘ Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Piley to the children .
Mrs . Holtzer has hosted a Thanksgiving feast with her students since 2001 . She feels it is a nice way to teach more about the holiday and experience the traditional foods they learn about . According to Mrs . Holtzer , “ Some years the students even bring in and cook the food . The students love preparing for and participating in the event !” The students also learn how to greet guests , use appropriate table manners , and interact with others during a large social gathering . It is a favorite activity students and staff look forward to every year and hope that Mrs . Holtzer continues for many more !
Talented students graced the stages of the district ’ s schools to demonstrate their remarkable singing , dancing , acting , and instrumental skills and put everyone in the holiday spirit .
GS vocal students perform with All Star Choir .