Clay Night

Last night was Clay Night at Lacoochee Elementary School. As you can see there were about seventy people present. We invited the second grade and the fourth grade classes. The families of these children from grandparents to tiny babies came on time- and actually before.

Their kids have told them about this Ms.Molly and they know how much time and fun I provide in the garden and in other classes. So they brought their families last night. And what a good time we all had!

Maybe two thirds of the participants were the Mexican families. We did our best at translation. Some really beautiful clay objects were made, and afterwards everyone helped clean up and tote the finished clay things to my car. People told me that this was the best fun they have had all week.

No actual parent or community meetings have had this turn out of interested folks. I think how it would be to have clay/art nights once a month and include a pot luck supper from our garden harvest.  Last night there was a lovely feeling of community and family fun. People- moms, dads, families of all kinds, need to play

with each other.

Volunteering at the school, constructing a community garden there, teaching some classes, has been a very uphill endeavor for me and for the other volunteers. I love the kids and get tremendous affirmation from them. The administration often seems unwilling or unfriendly or not caring about our efforts. Hundreds of hours and dollars we have contributed to this school. In some ways I think that these beleaguered folks have all they can handle considering the fear of FCAT.

I do think that common courtesy might motivate them to communicate things to us volunteers. We ask, but it never happens. And, like Lucy and the football, I keep going back.

Clay night was wonderful! We could build on that if only, if only..