Middle School students take the lead in planning and hosting the annual Mini-Strawberry Festival
While Elmwood Park fills with parent volunteers, strawberry shortcakes, and festival-goers each May, a smaller, but no less joyful celebration takes place back on campus. On the Friday of the Strawberry Festival, our Middle School students host their own Mini-Strawberry Festival for younger classmates, filled with laughter, games, and of course, our signature Strawberry Shortcake dessert.
This student-run event includes Strawberry Sprint races, chalk art, strawberry-themed cornhole and ring toss, face painting, and delicious strawberry treats. While it’s filled with fun, it’s also a meaningful opportunity for students to feel connected to the larger Festival, practice leadership and collaboration, and express their creativity as they plan and run the event themselves.
Afterward, our preschool and elementary teachers raved about how well organized, engaging, and fun this year’s mini-fest was—not just for the students, but for the teachers too. Our Spanish teacher, Elena, shared, “It really is great! I enjoyed playing every game and the students were very supportive, positive, and encouraging. ¡Gracias!”
We’re also grateful to our teachers for making this special day possible. Their flexibility, enthusiasm, and support help create space for meaningful experiences like this one. The Mini-Strawberry Festival is a sweet example of what learning looks like at Community School: playful, purposeful, and rooted in community.
