Last Sunday was the start of daylight savings time. It’s not my favorite day of the year. I don’t like losing an hour. Sundays already seem to go by too quickly, and the older I get, the longer it takes me to adjust to the time change. I would love to end daylight savings time.
I was thinking about this on Wednesday when, a little before 5:00 PM, just after meeting with a new parent and before the science fair, I left school and went over to visit my daughter-in-law, Kristal, and my two grandchildren, Lydia and Grant. The four of us and their two King Charles spaniels were just heading out for a walk- 17 month old Lydia toddling along, co-holding one dog’s leash and two month-old Grant in the stroller- when my son arrived home from work. He parked his car and quickly joined his family.
It took the group of us a little over thirty minutes to walk about half a mile. There was so much to do. There were little rocks strewn on the sidewalk that needed to be carefully placed- or quickly kicked- back in the rock beds next to the sidewalk. There were other dogs to bark at, things to sniff and people to wave at or stop and chat with. There was a large, tall skeleton standing in one of the yards that demanded a great deal of attention. All these important activities required time. It was a beautiful evening, and the sun was still up in the sky so we had both time and light. It was a lovely, lovely walk.
When I got back to school at 6:25, people were showing up for the science fair. I said hello to a father and daughter who were walking over as I was getting out of my car. I went to the gym and admired the plethora of colorful, neat display boards and science projects covering a sea of long tables. A huge thank you to Ms. GH for her work in organizing the science fair and for teaching and guiding our sixth, seventh and eighth graders. Her students came up with scientific questions, researched, carried out scientific investigations, and created display boards that let everyone know what they had accomplished and learned. Her students reflected her effort and enthusiasm in their projects and with their words. Ms. GH helped our students shine.
Although the majority of the projects displayed were done by our sixth, seventh and eighth graders during their science classes, there were projects done at home by younger but just as enthusiastic students. Every student I talked with - from kindergarten to eighth grade- enthusiastically explained their investigation. They glowed with pride when they spoke.
About 7:10, I left the gym went over to EDP where the rest of the science fair was set up. The sun was still out, and there was a group of students- from kindergarten to eighth grade- playing soccer on the blacktop between the two spaces, inside the cones and away from the cars. All were enjoying the extra hour of light as they played together outside.
The EDP room was filled with students, parents, friends and volunteers doing or explaining hands-on science activities. A huge shout out to Kim Thiede who was also instrumental in putting on our science fair. Among the myriad of things she did were sharing information about the science fair to younger students, putting together and/or booking our hands-on activities and gathering volunteers. Ms. Thiede is amazing.
Thank you to our high school and adult volunteers and our staff who helped in so many ways, it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Finally, thank you to all who attended the fair. There was a good size crowd. Your attendance at the event showed that you think community, science and the work our kids do are all important.
Last Sunday’s switch to daylight savings time gave us an extra hour of light. I am still not a fan of the day, but it is easier to attend evening events when it’s still light out. Things seem better in the light.
Jesus is the light of the world. Living in His light makes all things better. As a community, we are called to share and be His light.
Monica Stein taught at our school for many years. She retired two years ago. Mrs. Stein is a truly amazing person. With her deep faith and her strong commitment to helping all students reach their full potential, Monica generously shared her time, energy and the news of God's love with hundreds and hundreds of students, their parents, and all of the people with whom she worked. It's now our turn to support her. Please read the letter below from Mrs. Stein's family. Next, let's lift her up in prayer and with thoughtful cards and kind words. Let's shine God's light on Mrs. Stein.
Breathe. Pray. Be kinder than you think necessary. Spread God's light. Thank you for being a community that raises people up. Reach out if you can help or need help.