The students of Washington Montessori Public Charter School are embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving, from generosity to gratitude to spreading a little joy.

Tuesday afternoon was just one example of this, as students participated in the longtime tradition of delivering pies.

For 15 years, the school’s music students have delivered the pies — apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, cherry and pecan, to name a few — to the doorsteps of residents in Village Apartments in Washington, which is where the school began in 2000.

The Montessori school built a close relationship with the residents of Village Apartments during its time there, and even after the school moved to its current location on Old Bath Highway, it has continued the tradition, according to music instructor Michele Rhem.

A group of violinists from the school’s Suzuki program also participate in the delivery and serenade the residents with familiar Christmas carols, including “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells.” This year, the group’s two cello players were selected to give the pies to the residents, as their instruments were too heavy to bring along, Rhem said.

“Community service is a core component of the Montessori pedagogy. The pie delivery is just one of the avenues used to employ the concept,” she said.

Carol Gorham, a Home Life Care nurse who cares for two of the residents, said she knows they enjoy when the children stop by every year.

She said it means a lot to the elderly people especially, as it is a small, simple way to brighten their day.

“She really enjoys getting her pie,” Gorham said in reference to one of her patients.

Kenny Hall Jr., a longtime resident at Village Apartments, said he is thankful that the children come around to deliver the pies.

“It’s been a good reason to give God thanks,” he said.

Anita Purser, a substitute teacher and mom of one of the violinists, said she thinks they had around 50 pies to deliver on Tuesday, and any leftover pies are given to a local church.

“Our school used to be right there where the daycare is,” she said, pointing to an Avon Avenue daycare across the street.

She said the pie delivery is also a good way for the students to participate in outreach to the Washington community, which is also an important lesson the school emphasizes.

But most importantly, the residents close their doors with a smile across their faces.

“For nothing more than a little pie and a little music,” Purser said.