The
HOWLER 2024 NOV 26
THEHOWLER@ALLENDALECOLUMBIA.ORG
G r a n d pa r e n t s a n d S p e c I a l F r i e n d s D ay BRI D’LALLO
At Allendale Columbia, Grandparents and Special Friends Day is a cherished tradition for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. On this special day, students invite their grandparents or other chosen friends to join them at school. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual option is available, ensuring everyone has the chance to participate. The day begins with a warm welcome in the dining commons, where guests can enjoy breakfast treats and coffee. Afterward, everyone gathers in the CPC for an opening assembly and welcome session, which includes an overview of the day’s schedule. The grades are divided into two sections: Grades 1, 3, and 5 form the first group, while Kindergarten, Grade 2, and Grade 4 make up the second. Each group invites their grandparents and special friends into their classrooms to experience a typical lesson and see firsthand what the students are learning.
After their classroom visits, students and guests enjoy lunch together, creating more opportunities for connection and conversation. The day concludes with everyone returning to the CPC for a closing assembly.
A CONVERSATION WITH WOLFIE We recently caught up with Wolfie, our beloved guest who has been a regular at Grandparents and Special Friends Day for Grandparents and Special Friends continued on page 2
ThANKSGIVING LUNCH KATE MAY
On Thursday, November 21, Allendale Columbia held its annual Thanksgiving lunch, a beloved tradition enjoyed by many in the AC community. During each lunch session, students and staff were treated to turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy, and for dessert, the ever-popular pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are a fan favorite and one of the most beloved desserts at AC (recipe ▶). Laura Reynolds, one of the incredible lunch staff members, gave us an inside look at what goes into preparing this special meal:
Turkey: “We cooked 140 pounds of turkey.” Cookies: “We made about 720 pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. (Lanae Vargas helped me make them this year.)” Stuffing: “We used 24 loaves of bread for stuffing, with help from the Kindergarten class, who tear up the bread for us.” Cranberry Sauce: “We use 15 pounds of cranberries to make the cranberry sauce.” This delicious lunch brings the AC community together to celebrate the season and share in the spirit of gratitude. •
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THANKFUL PAGE 1-3 LIFERS PAGE 4 SPORTS: INSIDE THE DEN PAGE 5 ENTERTAINMENT: HOWLARIOUS PAGE 6-9 EVENTS PAGE PAGE 10-11 ADVICE PAGE PAGE 12
PumpKin chocolate chip cookie Recipe
INGREDIENTS 1 cup shortening 2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree or fresh pumpkin (boiled and pureed) 4 cups flour 1 1⁄2 tsp baking soda 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 °F grease cookie sheets. 2. In large bowl cream together shortening and white sugar. Beat in eggs. Stir in pumpkin and vanilla until well blended. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add to pumpkin mixture and blend. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoon (ice cream scooper also works great) onto prepared cookie sheets. 3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Allow to cool on sheet before transfering to rack. Do not place in container until cool. •