As the students count down the days until winter break, a holiday break to destress from school, besides their family holiday traditions to partake in Kenwood itself has a handful of traditions students and staff look forward to each holiday season.
Traditions may vary year by year. One of the many holiday traditions Ms. Glenn, who’s been at KHS for almost a decade, shares, “I always look forward to the staff chili cookoff for Thanksgiving, which is always fun, those who want to make chili, bring in chili, and then we all eat that along with corn bread and desserts. Then we always vote on who brought the best chili. It’s a nice way for all of us to come out of our rooms and offices and enjoy a meal together which we’re typically too busy to do on an everday basis.”
Another holiday tradition that takes place is Spirit Week. Ms, McRae adds, “We will have a Spirit Week from December 15 – December 23 this year.” The dress attire for each day of spirit week can be found on flyers in the hallways, as well as on Schoology and the KHS Announcements but favorites like dress like your favorite character, dress like Santa or the Grinch, holiday pajama day will all be a part of the holiday spirit.
As many new traditions begin, there are still always the old ones that everyone enjoys. One of those old traditions is the door decorating contest. Ms. McRae says, “ The winning classroom gets Munchkins! The door decoration winners will be announced on December 22nd and the prize will be delivered by the Class Officers on that day.”
Kenwood’s SGA this year will be hosting a Winter Paint Night Friday, December 19. Doors open at 5:30 pm and is $10. This will be the first year for this tradition. Another popular growing Kenwood holiday tradition that came back for a second year was our Bluebird Holiday Market, hosted by Kenwood’ social workers and community school facilitator Mr. Goldbeck. This year’s holiday market was held on Saturday, December 6, complete with visits from Santa and the Grinch, along with many activities planned by various Kenwood student organizations and great treats by Kenwood’s Chef Jeff.
A well loved tradition of staff’s that came back this year is their Adopt a Family tradition. For this Kenwood teachers and staff adopt an anonymous Kenwood students and their siblings in need this holiday season and purchase gifts off the children’s wish lists. SSA then hosts a wrap night which is December 18 right after school in the main cafeteria to wrap all of the gifts staff brought in for students and their siblings.
Kenwood’s chorus this year performed at Valley View Farms on December 18, featured on the radio broadcast with WBAL. I” had to listen to AM radio, but I got in the first two songs and they were fantastic. WBAL was super impressed with their professionalism and talent, even showcasing Elijah Thomson playing Saxophone, and Godspower and Paisley in a solo. I think it was a great opportunity for Kenwood to shine and I was very proud to hear them on the radio,” shared Kenwood teacher Ms. Rodier. You can catch their performance here.
Kenwood’s JROTC program is a part of several holiday traditions. During December, JROTC marches at the White Marsh Avenue and go up to Holly Hills as part of Wreaths Across America to honor and respect soldiers we have lost in countless ways.
Chief Master Sergeant Hall shares, “My favorite thing to do over the holiday is taking the cadets to participate in Wreaths Across America. Doing this brings together military members, veterans, families and community volunteers to pay respect and gratitude to those who made it possible for them to enjoy the freedoms we have today.” Yet, that is not the only thing because Chief Hall wants each cadet to learn duty, respect, selfless service and patriotism, especially at this time of year.
Overall, traditions are important, whether they are old, new, or even simply only for a short time they help people connect during the holiday season. Allowing people to gather and participate and interact with one another is part of what makes Kenwood such a great community to be a part of not just during the holidays but all year.
