Preparing a Thanksgiving dinner is a full day’s effort, if not longer, and the process can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the amount of work. The first graders at West Side Elementary, however, were eager to learn.

First graders gathered together Tuesday afternoon at West Side Elementary to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with their family and friends.

Children lined up at long tables of food, adorning hand-made headbands, as they enjoyed food of their own creation.

“Each student was involved in creating a menu, reading a recipe and using measurements to put together many dishes for [the meal],” first grade teacher Lindsey Mussard said.

Among the visitors and their children was principal John Wright, who dressed up as a pilgrim as he engaged with the students. The children enjoyed pie and other foods they designed themselves.

“The students take pride in knowing they cooked such a tasty feast for their families,” Mussard said.

She said the program has taken place at West Side for at least 12 years, if not longer.

With many families on the move or simply unable to gather during the holiday season, she said the activity provides an added benefit.

“The first grade feast ensures every child and their family has at least one meal together this holiday season.”

In addition to bringing families together, Mussard said the feast also encourages the students to express themselves.

“I enjoy seeing the students and their parents sit down together and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal that was prepared by them,” she said.

She said the feast was a success, largely because of the teamwork shown by the students and their parents in designing and creating each dish they got to enjoy Tuesday.

“We could not host a feast if not for our wonderful parents,” she said. “The parents love the feast and are willing to donate their time, work and support to give their children this wonderful learning experience.”