MANCHESTER – The Manchester Township School District celebrated its very first Winter Wonderland event, bringing together more than 150 families at Ridgeway Elementary School.
The festive community holiday activity was created and organized by preschool staff and designed as a fundraiser to support special activities and enrichment opportunities within the preschool program.
Families were greeted by notable holiday friends like Frosty the Snowman, all of the elementary school mascots and of course Santa Claus who came straight from the North Pole to do his part in creating a magical atmosphere the moment guests arrived.
The morning was filled with an exciting lineup of activities for children and families to enjoy together. Highlights included story times, letters to Santa, a bounce house, winter playdough creations, face painting, gingerbread house making, donut decorating, and more.
Laughter and smiles filled the all-purpose room as students explored each station, creating memories that will last well beyond the holiday season.
Superintendent Diane Pedroza shared in the excitement for the new tradition, stating, “The first annual Winter Wonderland was an absolutely magical morning. I love that Manchester’s families can come together and enjoy all parts of the holiday season right here in their school community, a place they spend so much time, and where our students feel at home.”
“I’m thrilled for this wonderful new tradition, and we are so grateful to our preschool and administrative team who came together to bring this event to life,” she added.
School District Supervisor of Early Childhood Education Michelle Nichol expressed immense pride in the vision behind the event, noting, “This idea grew from preschool teachers with the desire to bring all of the district’s Universal Preschool families together in one place.”
Nichol added, “this fundraiser will enable us to turn around and create a fun culminating year of activities for our preschool learners with the monies raised.”
