THOMASTON — After a hiatus due to COVID restrictions, a special annual event returned to Thomaston Grammar School’s 5th grade on Tuesday, November 15. “TGSgiving” is the fifth-grade version of Thanksgiving. The preparation and enjoyment of a full turkey dinner allows for many lessons, according to Lynn Snow, of TGS.

The TGS Common Ground Garden has been a successful outdoor learning space since its inception in 2009. Upper elementary students are the gardeners and a variety of subjects are integrated into the gardening experience. In November 2016, the first TGSgiving was held in the classroom. Students used some produce harvested from their own school garden to cook and serve at the event. Snow’s classroom is an old Home Economics room with a full kitchen, making this sort of learning possible.

TGSgiving became a yearly celebration for four years until the fall of 2020. COVID protocols put many things on hold, including TGSgiving. Fortunately, this year’s Thomaston Grammar School 5th graders had the opportunity to participate.

“Their meal was one for the books!” said Snow.

Students, with the help of their teacher and two retired teacher volunteers, prepared the meal together. They peeled and cut the vegetables, set the tables, and enjoyed the meal “family-style” in their classroom. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots (grown in their garden), peas, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and applesauce (apples from their garden apple trees) made for an excellent spread. Parents contributed a bounty of desserts to make the meal extra special.

Hannaford and Shaws, both in Rockland, each contributed a gift card that covered the cost of the needed groceries.