On Dec. 2, and 3, approximately 220 third-grade students from Hans Herr Elementary School went to the Lampeter-Strasburg High School to participate in the 25th annual holiday workshop, which is coordinated by the high school technology education department.

Supervised by teachers and assisted by high school students, the third-graders participated in activities at various stations. They learned how to use an assembly line process and interchangeable parts to produce their own gum ball machine; used soybean materials to manufacture candles, crayons, or lip balm; constructed their own holiday graham cracker house; designed a cover for use on an activity book; had their picture taken in a photo booth using winter-themed props; customized a Pioneer Pride drawstring backpack using heat transfer paper; and created a video holiday greeting to share with their friends or family.

"It was a great experience for the third-graders and the high school students," stated Todd Garber, holiday workshop coordinator. "This event is made possible by having motivated students and staff, cooperative administrators, generous and active PTO groups, and supportive community businesses."

Through the holiday workshop, third-graders were introduced to the kind of activities they could experience once they attend high school. Alicia Miller, a special education teacher co-teaching with a third-grade classroom teacher, went through the holiday workshop when she was a third-grader, helped extensively as a high-schooler, and now is back leading children as a teacher.

"It was a great opportunity for the third-graders to interact with the older students and be creative in their own way," stated Miller. "As teachers, we look forward to it continuing to allow third-graders to make this memory every year."

The event was mainly financed by the elementary parent teacher organization (PTO), but was also supported by the high school PTO, Weis Markets, Giant, Keystone Wood Specialties, the high school cafeteria, the high school technology education department, and the school's FFA chapter.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the third-graders last year were unable to participate in the holiday workshop. However, they will attend the workshop in mid-December.

To learn more about the holiday workshop, email todd_garber @l-spioneers.org.