Elementary School Update

Posted November 17th, 2008

After visiting classrooms last week, I was reminded of how special our children and teachers are. The wonder, curiosity, humor and unchecked honesty of children are so refreshing that one cannot help but be uplifted.

I watched and sometimes participated as the two-year-olds made orange cranberry bread; the three year olds prayed, said the pledge, sang songs, practiced handwriting and painted; the kindergarteners read, wrote in their journals, counted with cubes and created snazzy turkeys; the Pre-K students worked at computers, played housekeeping and shopped at the math center with coins. I asked a lot of questions of the little ones, and they were able to answer each one with enthusiasm, complete honesty, and surprising accuracy with astounding patience for Ms. Shankle’s ignorance. One of them even asked me if I had passed Pre-K!

The older ones were equally as impressive. I observed a computer class in which the students were listening to the teacher’s directives, navigating the steps and assisting one another — all simultaneously, without missing a beat. In a middle school math class, students were using the Smart Board to learn about graphs, patterns and the rise and fall of gas prices. In science class, the students were using the laptop lab to complete their egg drop experiment labs. In first grade art, they were making a complete and glorious mess designing their angel wings. As I moved in out of classrooms, I was also struck with a feeling of graciousness for the opportunity to do such meaningful work and to interact with such inspiring children and adults. At this time of Thanksgiving, I am reminded, as I hope you are too, that each day is a blessing. And that the people we love and the experiences we share are to be treasured and savored. From our family to yours, May you have a very happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

To view Ms. Shankle’s message in its entirety, including a list of important upcomming dates and reminders, please click here.

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