Oak Street Elementary School

The Oak Street Family Feast: A Legacy of Gratitude and Leadership

This week, the halls of Oak Street Elementary are bursting with the true spirit of Thanksgiving as students and staff prepare to host their annual Feast—a tradition that perfectly embodies our commitment to GIVE. GRATITUDE. GODDARD.

This tradition is entirely student-led and serves as a powerful leadership lesson. Students bake delicious pumpkin bread and then become ambassadors of goodwill, personally delivering the bread to neighbors around Oak Street and inviting them to share in the meal. Every grade level contributes, from peeling potatoes to creating placemats of gratitude.

The lasting impact of this tradition is clear. Current Goddard High School seniors Sadie Mullen and Charlotte Hickey still remember it vividly:

"We remember making crafts for the tables, preparing the food (learning how to peel potatoes), and sitting alongside our friends and community," they said. "In 4th grade, we got to be helpers and serve the food or help get water for guests. It was a fun way to show leadership at a young age."

Bringing the community through the doors creates profound connections. Neighbor of Oak Street Elementary, Eric Brazil, who has lived next to the school for over 38 years, cherishes the students' outreach:

"The students bring me pumpkin bread during Feast week; I look forward to it every year and know the students work hard to make that, and they give back to us as neighbors. These kids are our future, the staff and faculty here at Oak Street work hard every day and strive to make this a great atmosphere for students that's evident when they step out into the community."

By the time the doors close, the Feast serves upwards of 600 meals. It is up to all of us to support this incredible atmosphere and give these students the resources they need to continue growing into gracious community leaders.

Thank you, Oak Street Elementary, for demonstrating the true meaning of the Oak Street Family and inspiring the next generation! Happy Thanksgiving, Goddard!


Give. Gratitude. Goddard. — A Thanksgiving Appeal

Stories like this—where gratitude sparks connection, courage, and unforgettable real-world learning—are why the Goddard Education Foundation exists. When students are empowered to explore, to communicate, to lead, and to dream, extraordinary things happen. A simple loaf of pumpkin bread, made with love by students at Oak Street Elementary was able to spark a 30+ year friendship and rally community support for Goddard Schools. 

This Thanksgiving season, we invite you to join us in nurturing more moments just like this.

Your gift to the Give. Gratitude. Goddard. campaign helps fund classroom initiatives, creative projects, teacher grants, and innovative learning opportunities that allow students across all of Goddard Public Schools to discover their potential and impact their community.

Every contribution—big or small—supports the next generation, the next inspiring teacher-led project, and the next student’s dream waiting to take flight.

In the spirit of gratitude and community, we invite you to make a gift today and help us continue inspiring minds and expanding possibilities throughout Goddard Public Schools at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/goddardpublicschools