The holiday season was filled with joy, creativity, and community spirit at River Rock Academy’s Spring Grove campus. Throughout December, students and staff participated in various activities that celebrated the season, fostered collaboration, and inspired learning. Here’s a recap of the exciting events that marked the month.

December 9: Buddy Program Spreads Holiday Cheer

The Buddy Program kicked off the festivities by gathering to make Christmas cards and decorations. This collaborative activity was filled with creativity as students crafted thoughtful messages and festive ornaments. On December 18, these handmade treasures were delivered to residents of Spirit Trust to brighten their doors and spread holiday joy. The act of giving reinforced the importance of kindness and community connection during the holiday season.

December 10: Guest Speaker Inspires Students

Students had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Misty Gebhart, a cosmetologist, business manager, and author. Ms. Gebhart shared her inspiring career journey, discussing the diverse skills—like science, virology, and math—that her profession requires. She emphasized the importance of patience, professionalism, and maintaining a positive outlook. Students asked insightful questions about handling real-world challenges, learning valuable lessons about perseverance and self-affirmation.

December 16: Minute-to-Win-It Fun

As a prelude to the holiday break, the Buddy Program organized a Minute-to-Win-It game day with students from the Boulders and Cobblestones classrooms. The event featured six lively activities that challenged students’ skills and brought endless laughter. This fun-filled send-off highlighted teamwork and camaraderie, leaving everyone with smiles as they headed into the holiday break.

December 18: Social Skills Celebration

The Social Skills class hosted a special lunch prepared by staff. Students also decorated gingerbread cookies, adding a festive touch to the meal. Earlier in the month, Ms. Lauer challenged students to work in teams to build gingerbread houses using simple materials. These creative masterpieces were proudly displayed in the cafeteria, where staff judged and awarded prizes to the top designs. The activity encouraged teamwork, communication, and a dash of friendly competition.

Creative Classroom Projects

Throughout December, classrooms were brimming with holiday cheer and creative projects:

• Boulders Classroom: Students made unique Christmas ornaments by melting crayons inside clear glass balls. Using a hairdryer, they swirled the melted wax to create stunning designs. The ornaments decorated the class tree and became keepsakes for students to take home.
• Marbles Classroom: Students crafted and wore Grinch crowns, bringing smiles to everyone who saw them. The crowns added a playful element to their day.
• Elementary Students: A magical Polar Express experience brought the classic holiday story to life. Each student received a donated mug, enjoyed hot chocolate with marshmallows during the movie, and took home their mug with hot chocolate packets to extend the holiday magic.

Closing the Year on a High Note

December was a month of connection, creativity, and celebration at River Rock Academy’s Spring Grove campus. Through engaging activities and thoughtful projects, students embraced the spirit of the holidays while learning valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and community involvement. The month’s festivities left everyone with cherished memories and a heartwarming sense of togetherness as they headed into the new year.