Oh What Fun: School of Education Students Bring Holiday Cheer

As an early childhood education/PreK-4 student, her field placement in a kindergarten classroom at Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Pittsburgh King Pre-K-8 has been “an amazing experience”—one that has connected her to life-changing people and opportunities.
 
Zoe is determined to make a big impact on her future profession and the young people it serves. Her connection with students has grown throughout the semester—and so has her holiday spirit. “I really fell in love with the kids and this community,” Zoe said. “Happiness and joy are exactly what you want to see in a kindergarten classroom, so I wanted to add an extra element of that.”
 
As co-president of the Duquesne University School of Education ambassadors, Zoe rallied her classmates, faculty and staff to collect toys for approximately 125 Pittsburgh King Pre-K-8 students in kindergarten through second grade. 
 
Zoe notes that it’s important for educators to walk alongside students and be proactive in identifying their needs. “It’s part of schools’ responsibility to provide support, whether it’s emotional support or physical things like supplies they need to learn,” she said.

Merry hearts deck the halls

School of Education ambassadors collected 130 gifts for the students, as well as financial donations used to purchase 180 additional toys. The evening shopping trip proved to be a bonding experience for School of Education students and a heartwarming way to kick off the holiday season. 
 
Zoe was touched to find the University community in her corner as plans fell into place and gifts piled beneath the Christmas tree in Canevin Hall. From baby dolls to race cars and everything in between, all toys were selected and packed with care. 
 
“It’s so nice to see so many areas on campus support this effort,” said Zoe. “Our community really came together.”
 
Duquesne students didn’t stop at gifts—they also planned a full holiday celebration at Pittsburgh King Pre-K-8 and collaborated with departments across the University to enhance the party atmosphere. 

Duquesne University Police were in on the fun. Fellow School of Education student and Sergeant Frank Cortazzo transported gifts from the Bluff alongside other officers. Security Officer David Hammond cosplayed as Santa and Officer Alfonso Roberts dressed as an elf. 
 

School of Education ambassadors transformed the library at Pittsburgh King Pre-K-8 into a winter wonderland while Santa and his elf started their visit in the preschool classrooms and distributed stuffed animals.

Later in the library, conversation, crafts and fun were on the party agenda and provided a spirited break in the school day for hard-working children. Each student left the party with two holiday gifts of their choosing. They also received holiday goodies from Duquesne University Police and a book, drawstring backpack and school supplies courtesy of the Duquesne University Curriculum Center.
 
“The day was so special, and it was wonderful to be reunited with my students,” said Zoe. “The joy on their faces when they were speaking to Santa, doing the craft, and picking toys and books was just priceless. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing community.” 

Bringing joy to the world

According to Dr. Dawn Gordon, GE’24, principal of Pittsburgh King Pre-K-8, this effort reinforces the message that education and kindness can create spaces of hope and opportunity. Gordon completed her doctoral studies at Duquesne in December 2024 and is grateful for this collaboration with her new alma mater. 
 
"This represents more than just a collection of gifts. It embodies the power of relationship-building, community care and the spirit of urban education,” said Gordon. “Through their internship and student-teaching experiences, Duquesne students have developed meaningful connections with our students, understanding their lives, challenges and joys. The toy drive is a continuation of these relationships, offering a tangible reminder to our students that they are valued and seen.”