Giving Thanks

On November 24, we gathered for Birchtree's yearly practice Thanksgiving.  Our clinical instructors guided students through the customs of a traditional holiday meal and introduced students to some of the unusual foods they might encounter during holiday celebrations with their families.

The week before the holiday, each student made a turkey place-card holder to use at school and at home.

Our students, staff, and parents prepared a delicious holiday feast. Students from Classroom Two made mashed potatoes; other classrooms prepared additional side dishes. 

At 11:30 am, all our students and staff gathered around tables in our Life Skills area.  Music instructor Virginia Macdonald led us in singing a song, "What Are You Thankful For?"  Students expressed their thanks for music, swim goggles, and more.

Birchtree has many things to be thankful for this holiday season, as we celebrate the end of the first year in our new facility.  In Birchtree's beautiful new home, everyone was able to sit down and celebrate this meal together, while in our old facility, people ate the meal in shifts.

More students were able to participate in food preparation this year, thanks to our improved kitchen facilities.  And our new multi-purpose room offered the perfect location for students to create their turkey place-card holders. 

To read a New Hampshire Union Leader story about our practice Thanksgiving, click here.

We are thankful to the many friends of Birchtree who have supported our organization's growth since our founding in 2002.  Happy Holidays to you all!