There’s nothing quite like being a child at school – in the dark – at night – with your family. This week children and families gathered at school for a pizza party outside on the playground. It was such fun to see parents getting to know each other and children playing together. After supper, the pumpkin carving began. We have stone planters along the pathway, a perfect spot for carving and transforming pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns.
And then, it became dark. We lined up all the jack-o-lanterns, lit them with candles, and stepped back to admire the many different faces.
This is what I wrote to families later that night:
Tonight was special. There was a moment, as the sun was setting and jack-o-lantern carving was almost finished, that I looked around and saw parents smiling and laughing with other parents. Children were busy and happy with their families and friends. It was a moment when I knew this was indeed a magical night. The sky turned pink.
Then, all the jack-o-lanterns were lit and glowing along the planter for everybody to see. That was extraordinary.
When we gathered to sit in a big circle with our jack-o-lanterns and sing songs, it was nearly dark. That was exciting! Being at school in the dark with your family, surrounded by classmates and families with jack-o-lanterns, is an experience that will be remembered. It is magical. I felt it. Teachers felt it. I hope you did, too.
The end of the playground is a large grassy area, perfect for running and playing soccer… and perfect for sitting together in a giant ring to sing Halloween songs. Children were snuggled together with their moms and dads. I played the autoharp as we sang “The Jack-O-Lantern Song.” Then we waved glow sticks and sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” There was a feeling of mystery and magic. These were the moments that mattered. Memories were being made, right then and there. Magic.
After singing, it was time to go home, but no one wanted to leave. Neither did I. It was such a lovely feeling to just be. We sat together a bit longer, soaking up the feelings, taking in the wonder of the moment and the night, and putting this magical memory deep inside.
As we were leaving, this is what happened, with a little backstory:
Eamonn is a dad in my class, and we have quite a history together- starting when he was a student in my class. He did his high school internship with me many years ago. I remember it well, and remember how much he enjoyed the experience. Later, he worked with me at Summer Camp, and then became my assistant teacher. He left to continue his education and become a pediatric nurse. As a dad in my class, he has come full circle. When I said goodbye that night I asked, “Do you remember this, Eamonn? Do you remember the night?” He was pretty choked up and said, “Oh, yes.” It was hard for him to get those two words out. And he said, “And the song…” I was a little choked up, too.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
This sounds like a really wonderful evening. We do something similar at Christmas time with Christmas carol singing and candles.
Thanks, Robbie. Your Christmas celebration sounds wonderful. It’s just too darn cold in New England to have an evening school event with young children at Christmas. I’d love it, though.
I didn’t think of the weather. It is summer time at Christmas in South Africa and very, very hot.
Oh, that’s right!
How special! Perfect to celebrate the magic of Halloween instead of the scariness. The pumpkins look fabulous all lined up. Having Eamonn come back with his own children makes life come full circle!
Thank you, Darlene. Yes, magic instead of scariness. Eamonn’s story really was incredible. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and the jack-o-lanterns 🎃
Full circle indeed, Jennie. You bestow more than education on those children. You give them magical memories too, which are just as special.
Best wishes, Pete.
Aww… that is so nice, Pete. Thank you!
Jennie, I got chills reading this. I hope you know how special you are. In my next life, I’m incarnating as one of your pupils 🙂 ♥
Thank you so much, Tina. Your getting chills warms my heart. Oh yes, please be in my class in our next life! 😍
It’s a done deal, Jennie 🙂
👍 😀
Oh God, Jennie, I am so touched! Your posts are so amazing with the stories of loving connection with your kids and parents and community. Love love love the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star song. Thank you – I really appreciate this. (And what great jack o’ laterns). Love to you Jennie
Thanks so much, Debbie. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. The love and connecting with children was the best, and of course the jack-o-lanterns. 🎃
Such a heartfelt story Jennie, truly touching. As a parent these are the beautiful memories you want your kids to remember forever. Lorelle. 🙂
Thank you, Lorelle. It was a night of memories. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🎃
👍🏼😊
You can see yourself, Jenn, you’re a generational mal teacher. But you knew that. Great work, again.
Thanks so much, Steve. I so appreciate your kind words. 😊
Jennie, thank you for another wonderful post!
You’re very welcome, Charles!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
This is another wonderful post from Jennie!
Thank you, Charles!
Oh my, Jennie, what a lovely evening and tender moment with Eamonn. You are creating life-long memories and how wonderful to see that with your own two eyes. ❤
Thank you so much, Diana. I’m glad you enjoyed the read, and could feel what a special night it was.
Jennie is truely an amazing teacher & her students are so lucky. We could use many more Jennies in our schools.
Thank you, Doris. 😊
A wonderful way to build community, Jennie. Your students have such an enriching time with. You give such simple gifts … that’s love in action.
Thank you, Meg. The simple gifts are truly love in action.
How wonderful of you Jennie, and what a lovely memory for the children and parents to remember as the go through life. Thank you!
Thank you, Karen. It was magical, and full of memories. So glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
It must be really special to have a student return as a parent. What a sign of respect for you.
It is indeed, Dan. So nice. 🙂
Jennie, you are a very special teacher. Your students & parents are extremely fortunate. We need more Jennies in our schools!
Thank you so much, Doris! 🙂
What a wonderful magical night you all had!
It was, indeed! 🎃
A magical night and a magical post, Jennie. What a wonderful collection of jack o’lanterns! Happy almost Halloween. Hugs.
Many thanks, Teagan! It was magical and wonderful. 🎃. Best to you!
and….I got choked up too….. Another beautiful sharing/memory. Thank you
Awww… thanks so much, Ren. So glad you liked it! 😊
Hello Jennie, what a beautiful, moving piece of life and writing.
Thank you for brightening our days with your posts.
💜 Di
Thank you, Di. Your words are so kind and appreciated. BTW, your post card from London arrived last week! The children loved it! They thought it was funny that a phone booth is called a phone box. Thank you!!! ❤️
Oh it arrived Jennie. I’m so glad. It didn’t take too long to get to you. Glad they enjoyed it 💐💕
Very much so! A hundred thank yous! ❤️
It was truly a pleasure to send the card Jennie. I’m just thrilled it delighted you all. Thank you for your kind message.
Until soon,
Di 💐💕
That’s great!
Thank you!
Wonderful idea. We sometimes allow students from one class to stay overnight but we have never arranged something like that – I love it!
Thank you!
Awww super cool! What an awesome moment to take part in!
Thank you!