Woodside Elementary School students enjoyed the fourth annual Timberwolf Thanksgiving Parade on November 25. The much anticipated event is an opportunity for fourth graders to participate in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) project that results in one-of-a-kind student-designed, handmade balloons. Balloons are then carried during a parade through school hallways for younger students to enjoy.
“The balloon parade has truly grown into a beloved tradition here at Woodside,” shared Woodside Elementary School Principal Melissa Horn. “It’s a fantastic, hands-on way for our students to explore STEM. They get to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to turn a simple idea into a stunning, floating balloon!”
Prior to creating balloons, students are introduced to the book ‘Balloons Over Broadway’ by Melissa Sweet. It is an inspirational story about Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons used in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Students then use construction paper, cardboard and plenty of creativity to create a balloon and a unique way to carry it.
“Our fourth graders work incredibly hard on these projects and it’s wonderful to see how proud they are marching through the halls,” adds Horn. “Just as importantly, the younger students watching are completely inspired! It plants a seed of excitement for when it’s their turn to create their own amazing balloon in fourth grade. This event does a beautiful job of bringing our entire Woodside family together, and it’s always such a joyful and heartwarming day.”