Swartz, a third-grade teacher at North Schuylkill, organizes the annual project as part of a special classroom lesson centered on the iconic New York City parade. She said the idea began three years ago after a surprising classroom conversation.
“None of my students knew anything about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” Swartz said. That moment sparked both a learning opportunity and a new school tradition. Now in its third year, the project blends reading, history, creativity, and performance — and ends with students marching through the elementary halls in their own parade.
According to Swartz, the impact extends well beyond the classroom. “I’ve had parents tell me afterward that their children were actually excited to watch the real parade on Thanksgiving after going through the lesson,” she said.
This year’s student-led parade was filled with festive touches. It kicked off with a turkey leading the procession and wrapped up with Santa Claus — just like the national broadcast. Along the way, the event featured appearances by the North Schuylkill Varsity Cheerleaders and members of the North Schuylkill Band, adding even more excitement for the young participants.
Students designed their own balloons, lanterns, and banners, showcasing a mix of imagination and Spartan Spirit as they made their way through the school. Participants included students from Mrs. Swartz’s, Mrs. Lynch’s, and Ms. Schuettler’s third-grade classrooms.
