Denver Elementary creates winter wonderland with help from area businesses

Local business applauds students’ work on designing a replica of their building

This past December, the hallways at Denver Elementary became a scenic winter wonderland showcasing replicas of area businesses. In October, students met with local business leaders to learn more about their companies’ services/products, job positions, buildings and locations in the community. Then, using an Engineering by Design approach, each class created a seasonal display of its assigned business. Twenty-two businesses participated, which allowed each classroom and every student to be impacted by the project.

The project culminated with the business leaders returning to Denver Elementary in mid-December to see all the replicas on display. The structures remained in the hallways for parents and community members to view when they attended holiday events at the school.

According to Mrs. Angela Marley, principal, “Denver’s Winter Wonderland was a learning activity for both students and staff as it integrated engineering standards, Eagle P.A.C.T. skills and career connections. It strengthened community relations, with our business partners expressing considerable admiration for the structures created to represent their respective businesses.” The replicas were eventually delivered to the businesses, where many of them will be displayed in the months ahead.