An Adventure

When you are working with nine and ten year olds, and the "lesson plan" doesn't go as planned, you look for ways to help them feel safe and comfortable with the change in the routine.

On Monday morning, we smelled natural gas. We grabbed our coats, hats, and mittens, and we were out of the building in what seemed like less than five minutes from our initial concerns. We waited outside like it was a fire drill. We told them we were "on an adventure"! We answered any questions with the limited information we had. We smelled gas. When you smell gas, it is recommended you leave the building and call 9-1-1 from a safe location. That is exactly what we did. We watched the snow plows work on the roads. We saw the fire trucks approach the school.

 As a precaution, we moved further away from the building, into the field. It was covered with ice. Buses began to arrive. Some classes were able to board. Mr. Greninger and Ms. Leom's classes were invited to Zion Lutheran Church to settle in and warm up. Our students gathered in their community or dining area. Students sat at tables with friends and chatted. Teachers helped students find the bathrooms, and more. When the all clear was called, we walked back to school.

Looking back, as we returned to school.

In all, we missed about an hour of school. Everyone was safe. We enjoyed some fresh air and a walk with friends. We collected a good story of an unexpected start to school. From the smiles on the many faces, it was an enjoyable unplanned adventure.