CULLMAN, Ala. – The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a staple of the holiday season for decades, so Cullman City Schools brought some of that Manhattan fun to the halls of Cullman City Primary School to create its very own version of the balloon-filled tradition.
Cullman City Primary School was transformed into a lively, colorful parade route on Friday, Nov. 15, as second-grade students showcased floats they designed and constructed themselves using balloons and arts and crafts. Inspired by the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the event was showcased to all students, with pre-K, kindergarten and first graders lining the hallways, cheering on their older classmates.
This special parade was the culmination of a schoolwide, cross-curricular unit based on the anchor text Balloons Over Broadway. Led by CCPS Librarian Hilary Nix and CCPS STEM Teacher Anna Anderson, students across grades K-2 participated in a series of engaging lessons leading up to the parade, where they explored the history, artistry and coordination behind the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“In STEM class, students learned coding basics by designing large grid routes for Bluebot robots dressed as mini parade floats, creating algorithms to help the ‘floats’ navigate their paths,” Anderson explained. “In music, students created rhythmic beats to enhance the parade atmosphere. In the library, students constructed their floats, and in art, they brainstormed simple yet creative ideas and designs to bring their visions to life.”
Principal Elizabeth Shaddix and Vice Principal Tyler Skinner, along with the support of the CCPS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), also played key roles in bringing the parade to life thanks to donations for materials, resources and support.
“With its blend of creativity, teamwork and tradition, the CCPS Macy’s-style Thanksgiving Parade has already become a treasured memory for students, staff and families alike,” Anderson added. “Plans are underway to make this event an annual tradition at Cullman City Primary School, spreading joy and holiday spirit for years to come.”
