Submitted Photo Members of the sixth grade classes from Ely Elementary School and Little Flower School share a meal during an annual Friendsgiving event last year in Rugby.

Five years ago, Jeremy Johnston began an annual event in Rugby at which the sixth grade classes at each of the two elementary schools meet for a Friendsgiving, a popular variation of the family holiday, Thanksgiving.

Together with the other sixth grade teachers, Johnston coordinated a potluck, where each student is able to bring a different dish, should they sign up. At Friendsgiving, each class divides the responsibility and brings a different part of the meal, with Ely Elementary providing the main courses and sides, and Little Flower School providing dessert.

The event is an opportunity for the sixth grade classes to intermingle and get to know each other before going into junior high school together, Johnston said. Even though Rugby isn’t a large town, the students may not have the opportunity to meet unless they see each other in sporting events, he continued.

According to Johnston, the students have enjoyed the event. Sepending on what the group and the weather has done, the students have chosen to do things like watch movies as a group or get outside and play games together.

The teachers and parents have also given good feedback about the event. Johnston said other teachers have expressed there have been benefits of the students knowing each other before the school year begins. This familiarity with the other class can help shake off some of the nerves of a new school and the next school year, he said.

Johnston said school is a place for education and learning, and this event is an opportunity for a life lesson. According to him, friendsgiving teaches the students that it’s a good thing to invite others to get involved in your activities. “It’s a great way for kids to get to know each other and just have a great time at school, not just doing your standard bookwork, but learning other things about life as well,” said Johnston.