Mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, roasted turkey, sweet pumpkin pie and all the other traditional Thanksgiving Day fixings made their way to Canton Elementary on Tuesday, courtesy of Principal Robert Housel and school staff members.

“We’re a big family here. We care about our kids, staff and community. We want everybody to sit together in fellowship,” said Housel.

The served turkeys, purchased personally by Housel, were prepared by staff members at their homes. In addition, each classroom readied a side dish for all, and Housel brought his deep fryer to the school to custom-cook a turkey for the entire staff.

As with Canton Elementary, many Summit Academy schools hosted special Thanksgiving celebrations for their students, staff and families.

“Some of our kids will go home and not have a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Housel, who, like many of his Summit Academy colleagues across the state, is passionate about helping to ensure that each and every one of his students enjoy a holiday meal.