The aroma of gingerbread and sweet treats filled the air at Wharton ES as kindergarten students and their families gathered for the annual Gingerbread House Day. This cherished tradition brings together students and their parents or guardians for a hands-on activity that blends creativity, academics, and connection.
Principal Demettra Welters emphasized the importance of events like these in fostering strong home-school relationships. “This activity is part of our social-emotional learning efforts. We invite students to create something with their parents because that connection between home and school is so important,” Welters shared. “It’s also about letting kids be creative—something we’ve sometimes lost in our day to day. Here, students get to design freely and enjoy the process.”
More than 60 kindergarten students, accompanied by one parent or adult, participated in the festive event. Tables were lined with everything needed to build sturdy (and delicious) gingerbread houses—icing, graham crackers, candies, and more. Students carefully selected their materials, balancing creativity with a bit of structural engineering.
“This is all mathematics,” said Nicole Bair, a paraeducator at Wharton ES. “They have to think about how much icing they need to hold the roof up or make their walls stick. There’s planning, problem-solving, and a lot of autonomy. Students decide what materials they want to use and how they want their houses to look.”
Bair reflected on the event’s long-standing history. “I’ve been here since 2012, and we’ve kept this tradition alive year after year—even during COVID. At a time when families were isolated and kids missed out on so many experiences, it was especially meaningful to give them a chance to create and connect, even over Zoom. We sent home packets so families could still participate, and it’s something everyone looked forward to.”
The room buzzed with joy and laughter as families worked together to create their gingerbread masterpieces. Some houses stood tall and sturdy, while others showcased unique and playful designs. Principal Welters summed it up best: “The beauty of it all is that you can’t fail. Everyone walks away with something they’ve built, and that’s what makes it special.”
Wharton Elementary’s Gingerbread House Day is a reminder of the power of creativity, family connection, and joyful learning. For the students, families, and staff, it’s an event that continues to build lasting memories, one gingerbread house at a time. Visit our Facebook for more photos.