Over 450 students and community members enjoyed a festive day of family, fun, and snow at Jollyville Elementary School’s Winter Wonderland event.
Winter Wonderland was a free community event held at the Jollyville campus and created to promote family and community togetherness. Families participated in holiday activities that included, cookie decorating, crafts, hayrides, dancing, listening to music, watching a live ice sculpture demonstration, and playing in the snow. Because December snow days are atypical for Central Texas, the snow was made with polymer, a non-toxic material which shares a consistency similar to snow and can maintain frozen temperatures.
“When schools, families and the community-at-large support each other, it sets students up for success – academically, physically, socially and emotionally,” Jollyville Principal Scott Morgan said. “Our goal is to serve as a resource, gathering student support from everyone who can touch our students lives.”
Jollyville considers the success of Winter Wonderland an indication they have satisfied a need in the community and is contemplating holding it annually. The event fulfills a campus community initiative and aligns with Goal Seven of the District’s strategic plan to bring together educators, families and community stakeholders to attain collective impact. The desired outcome of events such as Winter Wonderland is to create a place where the community gathers to support the education of its youth, and through which its young people are connected to learning experiences across the community.
Two local churches, The Abiding Glory Tabernacle and Great Hills Baptist, provided financial support and contributed volunteers, including dancers, singers, and an ice sculptor, who carved the Jaguar mascot. Both churches provide year round partner support to the campus through mentoring and serving families in need.
