January 23, 2002
Willow Hill students make patriotic impression
Kindergarten class art project turns into greeting card sent to President Bush
By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
Let's all hold hands and stick together! That's the sentiment that inspired Janie Tavener's kindergarten class at Willow Hill Elementary to create an American flag from hand and thumb prints dipped in red and blue paint.
Like teachers across the country, Tavener was searching for a way to help her students understand the events of September 11 and help make them feel safe again when she came up with the idea last fall.
"It wasn't something I thought a lot about, it was truly something that came right from my heart," said Tavener of the poster created by her young students.
"It turned out so well I shared it with my neighbor, assistant superintendent Jayne Mohr. She loved it so much she had it framed for her office."
Mohr's framed flag drew a lot of attention, including that of the TCAPS printing department who offered to make up cards featuring the children's handiwork.
Once the cards were printed, Tavener decided to send one off to President Bush with greetings from her students.
"They told him how they wanted to make the flag to make people happy again and so people would always know that our flag would be flying. They also thanked President Bush for keeping our country safe," Tavener said.
While the children enjoyed making the project, and are very happy to point out just which hand and thumb prints are theirs, they know why the flag is so important.
"The children really do understand and have a lot of empathy for those involved," said Tavener.
"I really feel bad for the people that died, God is watching over them," said five-year-old Maddy Klingelsmith.
Classmate Kial Wade added, "This is to tell everyone that our country is safe and it won't happen again."
Packages of 50 cards, including envelopes, are available for $10 at the Willow Hill Elementary School office. All proceeds will benefit Willow Hill Elementary.