Every year we have a party for families at school. It begins with a pizza supper on the playground, followed by carving jack-o-lanterns. It is wonderful. Families meet and greet, eat pizza, and then roll up their sleeves to carve a jack-o-lantern. Today, the tools are pretty fancy and sophisticated. But carving a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern is as exciting as it was in the ‘olden days’.
Every year this is THE event. And, it is always wonderful.
After we admired our jack-o-lanterns, we gathered in a circle, sitting close together. How cool to be at school, at night, and in the dark, with a glowing jack-o-lantern!
We sang our ever-popular jack-o-lantern song. Older siblings joined in.
This is what I sent to families. It still makes my heart beat:
Our Aqua Room Host Party
Tonight was a magical evening. Pizza dinner at school is pretty cool; yet carving a pumpkin with your family is a memory builder. We so enjoyed all the activity and excitement with each family. As the sun was setting, arranging all the jack-o-lanterns on the stone wall was filled with anticipation. Sitting together in a circle with our jack-o-lanterns and singing songs, as it became dark, was… perfect. Truly, it was a moment in time, the kind that leaves you with a feeling deep in your chest, yet you cannot find words to explain it. You just know that it is special. Often it is the little moments that are the most important and the best of all. Thank you for being there, and thank you to the many families who contributed items and gave us a helping hand.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Just a wonderful family event, Jennie. And you know, for the kids and their families, this will be one of those, ‘remember when we …’ moments. Nice job, Jennie.
You are right on all counts, Steve. Thank you!
what a wonderful event, tying home to school )
Thank you, Beth. I highly recommend it!
Truly magical 🥰
Thank you, Ritu. 😍
What a lovely thing to do, Jennie. You could hear the joy in the voices of the kids. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. It is our favorite event every year.
You not only teach the children, but entertain them (and their parents!!)
Thanks, GP! 😀
You help to build memories that will last a lifetime!
Thank you, Pam. 😊
What a special night for the children and their parents! (I didn’t know there was a pumpkin song.)
It is a highlight of the year, Liz! The jack-o-lantern song is a favorite all year long, even in May. 🙂
Good to know!
🙂
Great stuff Jennie!!
🙂
Oh, how fun! The children’s singing was magical and gave me a fright and goosebumps with that big BOO! LOL!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Deborah! 🎃
This has got to be the cutest video ever, Jennie. Thanks for making it and sharing it here. Such good times.
I’m so glad you liked it! It was fun to share. Thank you, Robbie.
Great idea, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
Nice. Not too scary.
Just how it should be! Thanks, Anneli. 🎃
Beautiful
Thank you!
This is a great tradition, Jennie. I love the way you find different activities to engage with the children and their families.
Thank you, Dan. This event is is one of the best for children and families. I’m glad it has become a tradition. 🎃
Memories like that last forever, Jennie. That touch hearts and help them expand. Beautiful.
Beautifully said, Norah. 🙂
Thank you, Jennie. 💖
You’re welcome, Norah. 🙂
Jennie, what a special celebration, the video is lovely and the carvings of the pumpkin incredible! You are all so blessed to have each other … the warmth and joy are contagious. Showing more than ever that ‘it is the little moments that are the most important’.
Yes, the little moments are the most important. Thank you, Annika. This event is warmth and joy, and I’m glad you felt it. It’s a memory builder for families.
What a lovely way to bring the families together. Loved their little song and it sounds like everyone is having a good time. I have a link I thought you would be interested in and the second link is to a Youtube channel she mentioned in her post.
https://platformnumber4.com/
I love Thundercake! My copy is well-worn with love and having read it aloud a zillion times. When a thunderstorm approaches, it’s Thundercake to the rescue. Thank you, Marlene. Carving a jack-o-lantern is a perfect event for families and children, just when they have settled into school. Starting the carving in the light and finishing in the dark is thrilling. Then, lighting them and singing together is what makes memories.
Oh how I wish I had a teach like you Jennie. Who would ever want to grow up. ❤
Awww… that’s so nice, Debby. I for one don’t ever plan to grow up. ❤️
Don’t! It’s so over-rated! 🙂 xx
Haha! Love it!! 😍
🙂
You have created such a lot important traditions, forcing creativity and community building too. I am ashamed cant remember this from my own preschool and earlier school time. This makes the difference in making pupils loving school. With our two Catholic days of remembrance only, there is more grief than fun. But dont we think on these days on the resurrection too? 😉 Thank you, Jennie! Best wishes, Michael
If children love school, they will learn and thrive. These traditions strengthen the bond with school and families. It does make a difference. Thank you, Michael!
So true, Jennie! Let hope it will be recognized in some areas in Germany too. 😉
Yes!
Sorry false comment. Meant “Happy Sunday to you too. Lol :-))
😀
In correct word use: “wrong comment”. Right? 😉
Right. 🙂
:-))