Clio and Margie enjoy the same excellent Kindergarten teacher at Highlands Elementary. Miss G obviously loves her job and the kids are the beneficiaries. Schools are fortunate when they have active, constructive parents who spend time in the class. Each year the Parents organize an auction to raise funds for the school. The auction items include art work from the students created in class. Karen Mooney was the art mom for Megan and Katie way back when they were at Garfield elementary. Karen’s daughters brought her out of retirement to plan and organize this years project. The big idea was to make four l6 inch circular stepping stones decorated by the kids with colorful partially embedded stones.
Like so many things, the devil is in the details. You must mix the mortar to the consistency of sour cream, that job fell to Clio’s dad and Grandpa. I was honored to be included on the team and offered the only job I was capable of doing. Stepping stones this size need chicken wire to make them stable, we cut the wire to size. Oh, and don’t forget to Vaseline the planter bases that are used as the molds or the cement will never leave the form. We had less than an hour while the kids were at recess to get everything ready. The Mooney-Haga team was joined by several other mom-volunteers. The fun began.
Ms. G had the kids create their designs for a season themed arrangement of the colored rocks. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall are now curing to be finished with a polish. You can see their work in the photo, I wish you could have been present to experience their enthusiasm for the project. The kids collaborated and shared the work.
This is a great example of public education in Idaho. Please take a minute to thank a teacher. The future of our community and country are secure in the hands of our well educated, creative, and empathetic children.
The auction generates an amazing amount of money, this year excess proceeds will be shared with other schools who will make good use funds for their students. Idaho public schools are underfunded, supported by Special Levies and Bonds and art auctions. Please consider letting your elected officials know where you stand on the misguided Education Savings Account legislation.
Learn more about the Highland Elementary Art Auction!
Enjoy the week end. Mike