Sokolowski’s “Newcomer Thanksgiving” Helps New Students, Families Feel at Home
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For the past two school years, the Sokolowski School has hosted a "Newcomer Thanksgiving" for families of Sokolowski students who have recently arrived in the country and are new to the school.
CHELSEA, Mass. – “I think anyone who comes to the event just feels this sense of joy and happiness.”
When asked how students and families at the Sokolowski School have felt at the elementary’s school’s “Newcomer Thanksgiving”, those were the first words that came to mind for second grade foundational teacher Julie Souza Da Silva. Two years since it first began, “Newcomer Thanksgiving” has become a marquee family event at Sokolowski where families of newcomer students can gather and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together.
In the Fall of 2023, the school’s family engagement team, which included Souza Da Silva, was in the planning process for the 2023-24 school year. Recognizing that there was an opportunity in November for an event, the idea of a “Newcomer Thanksgiving” started to formulate. The event welcomes Sokolowski’s newcomer students, who are students who have recently arrived in the United States from another country, and their families to come to school at night for a meal that includes foods typically served at Thanksgiving. The event creates a communal atmosphere for families where they learn about the cultural tradition and enjoy a family-centric gathering.
Through the generosity of local organizations, school staff members, volunteers and more, the event has grown in two short years. Pastor Joe Souza, Souza Da Silva’s father, and Celebration Church have been significant contributors, collecting donations of food to organize the Thanksgiving meal. Volunteers from Celebration prepare the food and transport it to the Sokolowski where they also help set up the meal and serve the food to the students and families.
Photo of all the volunteers and Sokolowski School staff that support the Newcomer Thanksgiving event for families!
The first gathering, in 2023, included a coat drive to accompany the Thanksgiving meal. Fast forward to this fall and the event featured extra items such as sneakers, backpacks and care packages with personal hygiene items in addition to the coat drive and the warm meal. Another organization, Send Relief, contributed a large donation of coats and Puma sneakers for the families. All in all, everything comes together to create a special atmosphere for families.
“Some families just want or need a warm meal that they don't have to prepare. They've had a long day at work, a long week at work, and they just want to not worry about it. They want to have a fun night with their families. Meals are taken care of, and they get things to take home. It’s this joyous environment where people don’t have to worry about anything,” Souza Da Silva added.
Sokolowski School Principal Camilo Machado-Cleary stated, “The Newcomer Thanksgiving event is a chance for families and students who have recently arrived in the country to feel truly welcomed and supported. Sharing a meal together is a powerful tradition that helps build connections and create lasting memories. This event also provides families with much-needed resources like clothing, children’s shoes, and toiletries, showing our teachers' commitment to supporting them beyond the classroom. It’s a reflection of the Sokolowski School’s dedication to fostering a caring, inclusive community where everyone feels they belong.”
Students and families were able to select items to take home included coats, sneakers, personal hygiene items and more! (Photo Credit: Jackie Souza)
This November’s Thanksgiving event even included a family photo booth where families could have free portraits taken too. Creating spaces like these contribute to all the ways that Sokolowski students strive, succeed and soar. Teachers and staff are able to continue to build relationships with families in a space away from the classroom, and continue to make students feel comfortable in school, which leads to academic development and success in a new school environment.
“I would say as a foundational teacher, that relationship aspect is key. Making them [students] feel comfortable, making families feel comfortable and welcome and helping them with that transition. I've had families reach out for help about how to get doctor's appointments and translation services and letters for all certain things. We try to provide as much help as we can,” Souza Da Silva said.
Photos of families who attended the Newcomer Thanksgiving at the Sokolowski School in 2024.
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