DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 39
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embraced the challenge 
of designing floats and 
coordinating a miniaturized 
version of the iconic parade 
focusing on our love for 
Israel as an inspiration. 
 Given all that has been 
happening with our brothers 
and sisters in Israel, it felt 
most appropriate for us 
to use this opportunity to 
help our students connect 
to all the things we love 
about Israel, its culture, 
its landmarks and history, 
as well as honoring and 
respecting the soldiers in the 

IDF. 
Teachers and school 
administrators seized 
the opportunity to blend 
hands-on experience with 
educational elements, 
incorporating lessons 
on teamwork, project 
management and artistic 
expression. The project not 
only aimed to replicate the 
grandeur of the famous 
parade but also served as 
a platform for students 
to showcase their talents, 
fostering a sense of pride and 
accomplishment.

THE STUDENT-MADE 
FRIENDSGIVING DAY 
PARADE
As the school hallways 
transformed into a parade 
route, anticipation and 
excitement filled the air. The 
student-made floats, adorned 
with vibrant decorations, 
paraded through the school 
grounds. 
 Each float represented 
a unique aspect of Israel, 
celebrating famous cites 
throughout the country, while 
simultaneously saluting and 
supporting our soldiers from 
the IDF, specifically noting 
some of our Farber alumni 
who are currently protecting 
the land.
Our students, ranging from 
our toddler class all the way 
through our high school 
students, as well as teachers 
and administrators, gathered 
to witness the spectacle, 
cheering on the creative 

endeavors of the students. 
The student-made parade 
became a celebration 
of artistic expression, 
collaboration and community 
spirit. The joyous atmosphere 
mirrored the essence of 
Thanksgiving, bringing 
people together in a shared 
experience of creativity and 
gratitude.
The student-made 
Friendsgiving Day Parade 
showcased the incredible 
potential that lies within the 
halls of education, proving 
that with imagination, 
teamwork and a dash of 
inspiration, even the grandeur 
of a Thanksgiving Day Parade 
can be recreated on a smaller 
scale, fostering a sense of 
unity and celebration within 
the school community. 

Elana Miodownik is a social worker 

at Sara Rivka Friedman Elementary 

School and FHDS Middle School.

LEFT: Benny Rosenthal and Ayelet Walz proudly 
display the Kindergarten Classic Israeli foods float. 
BOTTOM LEFT: Fourth grade boys with a scene of 
banana boating on a beach in Eilat. RIGHT: Third 
grade designed and created the famous Machane 
Yehuda Shuk. 

