The kids at PS #1 celebrated the holidays the old-fashioned way – by making gifts for their friends.
The school’s gift exchange involved all 185 students making one gift for one student. Names are picked out of a hat in November, and each gift is personally crafted with the specific student in mind. The process helps kids stay focused on the joy of giving.
Says Head of School Joel Pelcyger, who began the tradition in 1971, the year the school opened,. “In many households today, and particularly on Los Angeles’ Westside, children do a lot more receiving than giving during the holiday season.” “With our Holiday Gift Exchange, our students have the opportunity to give. And when they see the look of contentment and appreciation on the face of the recipient of their handmade gift, the giver also becomes a receiver,” he added.
