One of my favorite Chets Creek traditions is Pow Wow because it reminds me of how far we've come. We've moved from the days of a generic Native American celebration to studying tribes, their part of the country, their foods, clothes and traditions. Pow Wow is a kindergarten performance with 5th grade woven into the day by their participation and the projects that they do, so that it is a circle activity bringing our children back to the beginning, full circle.
As first graders we are invited to watch the Pow Wow, remembering our days in the spotlight the year before. When you're in the midst of it, you don't realize the pageantry, the beautiful colors as 200 kindergartners parade into the grounds and form tribal circles in their colorful native costumes. I love the details, and the parents with their cameras and pride clicking away. After the ceremony the kindergartners participate in centers for the rest of the day finishing up late in the afternoon. One of the marvels of the day is a full sized tee pee that will seat an entire kindergarten class and the dynamic "Peaceful Waters" - our own Media Specialist, Miss KK. KK enthralls everyone that enters the tee pee with her stories. Of course, they are overwhelmed with just the idea of sitting inside this huge outside tent. Then as she passes the "talking stick" and asks each child and adult tell the group what they are thankful for, I am moved to tears every single time. As the children leave, the Leadership Team and a few other adults lay down on the floor of the tee pee and just take a few minutes to enjoy the peace and quiet before the tee pee comes down at the end of the day.
I am always moved by this ritual. I have worked in a dozen schools in three different states and I know that it's not like this at other places. Not only have we designed the most fantastic learning experience for our children, we spend a few minutes reflecting and just enjoying the fruits of our labor. I feel truly blessed to work in this very special place!
As first graders we are invited to watch the Pow Wow, remembering our days in the spotlight the year before. When you're in the midst of it, you don't realize the pageantry, the beautiful colors as 200 kindergartners parade into the grounds and form tribal circles in their colorful native costumes. I love the details, and the parents with their cameras and pride clicking away. After the ceremony the kindergartners participate in centers for the rest of the day finishing up late in the afternoon. One of the marvels of the day is a full sized tee pee that will seat an entire kindergarten class and the dynamic "Peaceful Waters" - our own Media Specialist, Miss KK. KK enthralls everyone that enters the tee pee with her stories. Of course, they are overwhelmed with just the idea of sitting inside this huge outside tent. Then as she passes the "talking stick" and asks each child and adult tell the group what they are thankful for, I am moved to tears every single time. As the children leave, the Leadership Team and a few other adults lay down on the floor of the tee pee and just take a few minutes to enjoy the peace and quiet before the tee pee comes down at the end of the day.
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