Good Shepherd School on Lookout Mountain has a mission to provide a safe, stimulating and exceptional learning environment that fosters the educational, spiritual and social development of individuals and prepares each child for life-long learning. Led by Sandy Skorput, the preschool’s director, tiny students learn that all of God’s children are special and unique and that each of them deserves to have his or her own talents realized. Challenged and motivated, these children are encouraged, praised and nurtured as they engage in creative play and develop confidence and a positive self-image.
There have been many, many challenges during the pandemic, but think about trying to keep our tiniest citizens safe when all they want to do is put everything in their mouths, lick all surfaces and embrace their buddies full on. Sandy Skorput is committed to not only keeping her young charges safe, but ensuring the safety of the teachers and parents. And she does not waver in her protection.
Halloween is one holiday that encourages masks – maybe not facemasks per se, but masks all the same. It is not unusual for children of all ages to wear their costumes to school for Halloween, but it may not be all that common for the costumes to be blessed! For almost 10 years, fluffy lizards and spooky goblins and mischievous witches and all manner of pintsized rambunctious ghosties have received a special blessing at GSS for Halloween. Often the ceremony is accompanied by spooky organ music as the children process into the church. Always welcome to attend, this year the parents were officially invited for the event, and they donned wigs and capes and all manner of masks and joined in the fun, adding to the gaiety and confusion of the day.
“I think organized chaos is perfectly preschool worthy! We had never formally invited the parents before. They were always welcome to come, but this year we invited them to attend and coordinated it with fun activities/parties happening in the classrooms. After a year of having restricted access to the building, we’re really trying to have great opportunities (fun events) for the parents to come in and join in the fun. It seemed everyone had a really great time!” Sandy said.
Dressed to the hilt in creative costumes, from Alice in Wonderland and Snow White to Bat Man and pumpkins, the children were excited about the big day, as were the Rev. Robert Childers and Mtr. Michelle Simmons, both an active presence at the preschool. Michelle coiled her dark brown hair in large fluffy buns that covered each ear, and Robert donned a dark brown robe and clutched a neon blue light saber as Mr. Skywalker. The two bestowed blessings on every child, on every costume, asking for mercy and protection on that day, during trick-or-treating, and every day forward.
Giving the blessing, Rev. Robert held his sword skyward and said, “I’ve always wanted to say these words: May the Force be with you.”
And also with you.
by Ferris Robinson
There have been many, many challenges during the pandemic, but think about trying to keep our tiniest citizens safe when all they want to do is put everything in their mouths, lick all surfaces and embrace their buddies full on. Sandy Skorput is committed to not only keeping her young charges safe, but ensuring the safety of the teachers and parents. And she does not waver in her protection.
Halloween is one holiday that encourages masks – maybe not facemasks per se, but masks all the same. It is not unusual for children of all ages to wear their costumes to school for Halloween, but it may not be all that common for the costumes to be blessed! For almost 10 years, fluffy lizards and spooky goblins and mischievous witches and all manner of pintsized rambunctious ghosties have received a special blessing at GSS for Halloween. Often the ceremony is accompanied by spooky organ music as the children process into the church. Always welcome to attend, this year the parents were officially invited for the event, and they donned wigs and capes and all manner of masks and joined in the fun, adding to the gaiety and confusion of the day.
“I think organized chaos is perfectly preschool worthy! We had never formally invited the parents before. They were always welcome to come, but this year we invited them to attend and coordinated it with fun activities/parties happening in the classrooms. After a year of having restricted access to the building, we’re really trying to have great opportunities (fun events) for the parents to come in and join in the fun. It seemed everyone had a really great time!” Sandy said.
Dressed to the hilt in creative costumes, from Alice in Wonderland and Snow White to Bat Man and pumpkins, the children were excited about the big day, as were the Rev. Robert Childers and Mtr. Michelle Simmons, both an active presence at the preschool. Michelle coiled her dark brown hair in large fluffy buns that covered each ear, and Robert donned a dark brown robe and clutched a neon blue light saber as Mr. Skywalker. The two bestowed blessings on every child, on every costume, asking for mercy and protection on that day, during trick-or-treating, and every day forward.
Giving the blessing, Rev. Robert held his sword skyward and said, “I’ve always wanted to say these words: May the Force be with you.”
And also with you.
by Ferris Robinson
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