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- The morning is cold, with the mercury
at about 4 degrees, a light snow is falling, and
- about 9 inches expected before the
storm passes. It's a gentle snow and lends itself to sitting
by the window for reflection.
- Yesterday I was invited to two Christmas
programs and I was recalling the month of
- December in rural schools. My brothers
Alan and Randy and I all went to the Merrifield School, about
2 miles from the farm, and we always knew that right after Thanksgiving
we would start getting ready for the Christmas Program. Everyone
in all eight grades would participate. Rehearsal began for plays,
the wire went up across the front of the room to hold the curtains,
copies of scripts, poems and songs came out for everyone to memorize,
artwork was done to decorate the room and the general air of
excitement grew with each day.
- Some would say that not much learning
took place during those weeks. Others would
- say that they were sure that reading,
memorizing, writing original poems and stories, public speaking,
cooperation toward a common goal as well as the science of the
tree lights, the sociology of learning about various ethnic foods
and customs, and all the other special associated subjects comprised
a very rich learning environment.
- Certainly, this frenetic activity resulted
in eagerness to learn, pride in the school, and
- increased self-confidence for all the
students involved. One of the unseen benefits of the Christmas
Program was to provide a community focus. The country school
offered a natural social outlet for the people living in the
area. Even neighbors with no children in the school came to see
the program and enjoy fellowship with others that they didn't
see often.
- The first Christmas Program I remember
(although it may be more from the retelling
- of this favorite family story) was
in 1941, the year I was 5 years old and my brother Alan was born.
Since there was no kindergarten, I had been asked to recite
a short verse for the program. Mother was still in the hospital
following the birth of my brother, but Daddy made the 40-mile
trip to Lake Geneva to bring me home from their friends' home
where I had been staying. I'm sure this caused him a great deal
of difficulty for him in between visiting the hospital, milking
the cows and trying to keep the household going.
- Well, we got to the big event. I had
my favorite dolly, Pinky. I was called upon to
- recite my verse. I can imagine Daddy's
chagrin, when I stood shyly in front of this room full of neighbors
expectantly waiting to hear from the oldest of the Jess ARNOLD
children. Alas, not a single word came forth. I looked at all
the faces and completely lost my willingness to speak the verse
that I had been reciting for everyone at home for weeks! At
last the teacher took pity on my situation and helped me get
back to my seat. My loving, understanding Daddy never scolded
me at all.
- Each of the children participating
in the program was well motivated to put "their best
- foot forward" in this representation
of what the school could do. Another of the ARNOLD family
stories is about the year when I was in 8th grade. I had a strong
voice, and wanting to be sure that everyone heard the words to
"Silent Night," I sang with gusto and great expression,
nearly drowning out the other 10 or 12 students standing with
me. What I lacked in musical talent I made up for with desire
to do the best that I could for my school!
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