By: Kaumudi Marathé

For all of us, the first few months since September were spent getting our kindergarteners acclimated to school and adjusted to new routines. Once they were settled back in school after Christmas vacation, Ms. Miller’s kindergarten class parents decided it was time to break the ice and get to know each other.

In a “neighborhood” school, connections are often made quickly and organically. At our school, because we all live so spread out, many of us had not even met the other families in our class. However, a quick email poll showed that Eagles parents were keen to make the effort and get together.

Coordinating 20 families together is easier said than done! But on March 4, after several delays and despite the LA Marathon, 17 families gathered at the old zoo in Griffith Park for a day of fun and frolic. Parents, grandparents and even friends joined the picnic. To the children’s delight, Ms. Miller’s baby, Elijah came too!

The weather could not have been more cooperative and our secluded picnic spot near the old, abandoned zoo cages lent some mystery to the afternoon. The children explored the cages, imagining which wild animals had once lived there! The rocks at the bottom of a dried up streambed proved irresistible for jumping on. Immanuel’s younger sister, Pauli slipped on one, cutting her chin rather deeply (she had to be taken to the ER but that is another story!) but this did not deter the other kids from having a go at the rocks!

It was one of those rare, leisurely, sunlit afternoons. As parents introduced themselves to each other and got talking, kids ran up and down the hilly slopes. They played football and other games between snacking on delicious potluck treats like kebabs, broccoli casserole, jicama salad, tamales, and homemade brownies and cupcakes. Mateo’s mom, Lisa Franchot brightened up the day even more with some wonderful face painting.

After a protracted lunch, there were group games. Egg-and-spoon races and sack races brought out the kids’ competitive side. The highlight of the afternoon was a special treat from Ms. Miller, a piñata! Before we realized it, the day had flown by but even as the air cooled, and we started to pack up and head for home, the spirit of camaraderie we had found warmed us. As Shelley Jacobs, Jade’s mom said, “It was so nice to finally meet the other halves – the parents – of the kids that I have gotten to know at the school. It was just great to get to know them.” Throughout the afternoon Ms. Miller repeated how wonderful it was to spend time with the families of her students. “We’re building community!” she said. Yes indeed, and the ice was broken!

Check out the artwork hanging in the stairwell nearest the playground. Called “Six Sticks,” these diverse creations are examples of work produced as part of a math lesson. Each child was given six popsicle sticks, some art materials, and instructions to make anything of their choosing. Our faculty wants to keep the children’s art present and all around them, so whenever the classes are particularly proud of a project, you’ll see it shared on our hallway walls.