Spanish Students at Maple Dale Spreading Cheer

A collection of colorful piñatas will soon bring joy to those less fortunate thanks to the eighth grade Spanish students at Maple Dale School. 

Senora Rachael Boesch has been creating piñatas with her students as part of the Spanish curriculum for eight years, but the tradition at Maple Dale dates back more than 15 years. Boesch teaches a lesson on the history of piñatas, then students pick partners for the project and submit their ideas for approval.

A contest is held in which students and staff members vote for their favorite  piñatas based on six categories. The winning piñatas are hung in the Spanish classroom for one year and the rest are donated to charities like The Ronald McDonald House, Boys and Girls Clubs and area shelters. The pinatas are not just for admiring. Students are required to fill the piñatas with candy and small toys for the recipients to enjoy. They will arrive when many families struggle to find hope and joy during challenging times.

“What I love most about this project is that the kids know they will not get their piñatas back," Boesch said. "However, they still put the extensive time and effort into it, knowing that children will so gratefully receive and enjoy them during the holiday season. That, to me, is so telling of the character of our students.” 

She is also grateful to the parent community. 

“I truly appreciate the support I receive from the parents. This project is virtually impossible without their involvement. The patience, guidance and cooperation parents provide their children throughout this project is remarkable," she said.

If you know of a location that would welcome the donation of a piñata or you would like to help deliver them,  please contact Senora Boesch via email.