Jefferson Kindergarteners Have Fun
at Harvest Festival
A stunning fall day was the ideal setting for this year's kindergarten harvest festival at Jefferson Primary School. Pumpkins, apple cider, popcorn, scarecrows, a hayride and a treasured story came together to make the day a memorable one for the youngsters.
The annual event is one of pure fun, with heavy doses of learning thrown in for good measure. One day earlier, kindergarteners scattered "magic" pumpkin seeds around their playground area. The youngsters were amazed to discover those tiny little seeds had seemingly grown overnight into bright orange pumpkins.
Students were able to walk through a pumpkin patch, picking one and then decorating it with their own personal artistic flair. Of course, there were songs to sing and the always popular hayride in the back of a large district truck. A special staircase was wheeled outside to make the climb on and off the vehicle an easy one.
Classes took turns making scarecrows and stuffing their creations to give them full-bodied looks. One of the highlights of the morning came when Jefferson librarian Cindy Tietjen reviewed the popular story "Stone Soup" as the students added particular ingredients into a large black pot. The school cafeteria provided a tasty soup that the students thought they themselves cooked up. Snacks included cold apple cider and popcorn.
The festival attracted the traditional turnout of parents, grandparents and close family friends who excitedly watched the youngsters participate in various activities. The buildings and grounds department coordinated a hayride truck, transporting students around the campus on the beautiful day. PTA volunteers lent a hand and helped set-up activities that were popular with all the boys and girls.
"Once again, the PTA went above and beyond to make the day one very special memory for our children," Principal Margaret H. Evers said.