Hampton Roads' Armstrong Elementary School celebrates Thanksgiving...Pilgrim and Indian style!

November 25, 4:09 PMNorfolk Grandparenting ExaminerCindy Hailey

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Once again, this Examiner finds herself writing about Armstrong Fundamental Elementary School. It's hard not to, when so much good can so easily be seen.

Today, breaking all the rules, there will only be one or two hyperlinks. That's not the way it's normally to be done, but today, Norfolk Grandparenting Examiner (NGE), is thankful, and has decided to take the 'risk' of using the blessing of writing for Examiner.com as a platform for that thankfulness.

Today, NGE covered a first-grade Thanksgiving Feast at the Armstrong cafetorium. The focus of the feast? Why, the Indians, Pilgrims, and of course, turkeys associated with Thanksgiving. Included in this article are the first grade students of Ms. Allen, Ms. Eason, and Ms. Purl.

Also note the volunteers, as there are many. Parents, grandparents...happy faces serving happy, excited children who nevertheless, knew to stay in their seats where talk is allowed, but 'indoor voices' are used. This is a fundamental school and such involvement and behavior are par for their course.

Notice, too, the costumes. These are children in action, demonstrating knowledge of a segment of their American heritage. A visiting parent or volunteer could approach nearly any child and with a mere comment or question, elicit a conversation about the Pilgrims, Indians, or Mayflower...the lecturer being not the adult, but the child.

And by all means, do notice the dancing turkeys. Even those without a degree in psychology can take this as a sign that something every mind needs...something every person needs...to grow well-rounded, is present at Armstrong.

In recent years, it seems that some of the spice in the educational 'cabinet' has been tossed out. But at Armstrong, an essential spice, Fun, remains and is taken out for a frequent sprinkling over learning. The folks there know something that may be a secret to others. 

Happy learners are better learners.

Just try watching those turkeys shake their tail feathers without a chuckle. You can't. And neither can the kids. It is this type of thing that makes learning fun and therefore, desireable. How great is that?

Note as well, the little 'Indian' violinist. He, too, is in first grade. And while he didn't learn his skill at Armstrong, it did give him a place to display that skill. This didn't have to happen, but it did because Armstrong has teachers who, with all else they have to do, take note of skills, aptitudes and abilities and provide encouragement to the students to press on in individual endeavors.

Today, as NGE attended this event and spoke with different volunteers, parents and teachers, someone quoted, "It takes a village". Well, the Armstrong 'village' seems to understand that concept as they work together like well-oiled clockwork, each cog knowing it's function and doing it at just the right time, making the lives of everyone involved move along with seemingly little effort. Yet, everyone knows without saying, much effort is put forth by many.

Say what you will. Size and politics don't do this. Character does.

As I end this article, another rule is broken as I am compelled to write in first person. I am especially grateful today. I am grateful to have two grandchildren included in the student population of Armstrong Fundamental Elementary School.

With that said, I would urge all grandparents, if at all possible, to try and involve themselves with the activities of their grandchildren, no matter where they go to school. Today, more than ever, "It takes a village."

And the return?  It comes.

It comes in terms of spirit, character and heart.

~To learn more about Armstrong Fundamental Elementary School, click here. The article this link leads to gives another story of Armstrong's community involvement, as well as links leading to more information about the school as a whole.

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~Followers/Readers, please remember, NGE is looking for grandparent/parent recommendations of Kid-Friendly eateries in the Hampton Roads area. (Jason's Deli has already been highlighted.) If your recommendation is chosen, you'll get an 'Honorable Mention'.