Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a national American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.  During this time, families come together to share a meal of turkey, stuffing, pies(sweet potato, pumpkin, pecan and others), and offer thanks for all that life has given them across the previous year.  In the past it was widely assumed that the origins of Thanksgiving were based on a celebratory harvest feast held among English colonists and native people of North American in the 1600s, however this is not historically accurate. The true origins of Thanksgiving are connected to the customs of the North American indigenous peoples, including the Lakota, Diné, and Iroquois. These tribes, and many others, traditionally held feasts during which they would honor elders, loved ones and individuals that provided service to the community throughout the previous year.  Foods were shared among attendees and it was considered a great honor to contribute food and gifts for to the event.

The formalized celebration of Thanksgiving in America is the result of the efforts of a brilliant woman, Ms. Sarah Hale, who was incidentally also the author of the famous children's poem, "Mary Had a Little Lamb". Having knowledge of the traditions of the Native peoples of North America, Ms. Hale strove for years for a day of appreciation to become a designated holiday in the United States.  As a result of her efforts, US President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a holiday on October 3, 1863.  Thanksgiving Day is now one of the most important holidays in the United States.(https://www.amightygirl.com/thank-you-sarah)

At GSN, Thanksgiving is celebrated each year with a traditional American Thanksgiving meal including turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, apple sauce, gravy, and apple based deserts. Grade 6 student, Musie Jiang, shared, "My favorite foods are the turkey and mashed potatoes!" GSN Performing Arts teacher, Ms. Larissa Zanin, praised GSN's Chef David for the banquet, saying, "The food was delicious. The apple pie was fantastic! Thank you!"

As Head of School, Mr. Cavon expresses, “…we are thankful for the health and safety of our school community, for our warm and caring teachers, for our supportive parents and for our students- the future leaders of a better world.”