And how it looked from the door of the 5th wheel...
People can get a bit... um... unusual during the full moon. We knew we were going to be in Steph's class today. Her class is a very caring bunch. They were the top producers in the school for the food drive when we were here last fall. This time, they brought in the most on a "Pennies for Patients" fund drive for cancer research. And this from a class where the majority of kids are classified as below the poverty level. There is a wonderful sense of caring and respect in this school. Joan and I are very impressed every time we are there.
Today was their "reward" for their fund raising: a pizza party. On the way to school, Joan and I picked up pizzas for the class. We bought ice cream and root beer earlier for dessert. One girl's Mother brought cupcakes and another boy brought cookies... there is going to a a sugar high happening this afternoon!
Joan and I served pizza (they got to eat in their room instead of the lunch room), then dined with the kids. Afterwards, while they were out for a short recess, we started making root beer floats...
When the kids came in, they had floats at their desks. Surprisingly, no sticky accidents! Then, back to that learning stuff. Joan and I observed. It is such a treat to see your own kid doing what they do, making a difference. The kids took a short test...
That is their "private offices" set up on their desks (made from manilla folders). Then, discussion. Steph engages the kids, and they want to participate. She is encouraging and patient... she makes us very proud.
After school, we participated in bus line duty. This has the precision of a military project: Dan is the "traffic director," letting teachers know who is next to go to their bus. The kids stay in line, the teachers keep track, making sure the right kids are getting on the right buses. No bus leaves until kids are accounted for. Then, the teachers on bus duty stay and wave to each bus as it departs... yes, even if "their" bus was the first to roll. The kids on the bus are waving back. It may seem mundane, but it really is an impressive thing to behold... I love the sense of community that is very much a part of this school. I've been to other schools over the years - this really is unique.
With the kids off, we went back to Steph's room to gather up our stuff and head out. Steph, Dan, and the other teachers have meetings. The school day is over, but the work goes on. We will get together with the kids and some of their education friends this evening for a meal out. They have been doing this once a month get-together for years. Most sense of community.
We are happy for Steph and Dan that they love what they do; that they make a difference in kids' lives; and besides teaching them the required educational stuff, they help make these kids better people.
Truly, many schools could learn from this.
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