Fifteen Friends

I've written before about my relationship with the Jenny's Pre-K class. These are the 4-going-on-5-year-olds who are far too sophisticated for our Preschool program but not quite ready for the rigorous demands of Kindergarten. Some years we have one section; other years there are two. Jenny is the consistent teacher. I don't remember exactly how we all came to be friends, but at least once a week the class will come to visit me in my office. Often it is to share their newest poem. Some days it is because it is rainy and they can't be outside and need a walk to use up some of their boundless energy.
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Once in a while, I'll bring in a book from home, one that my own kids used to like when they were 4-going-on-5, and we'll all go into the big Upper School Library and I'll read to them. They bring me wonderful presents that they make themselves -- a plate with their signatures, a vase of tissue paper flowers, a nifty clothespin clip for my desk, a magnet for my fridge. They are generous and giving; in return they are delighted with the occasional sticker or animal cracker from the jar on my desk.
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The size of the class varies; this year it is a big class of fifteen. They are all terrific kids this year; none seem to have any major "issues."
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It was so windy yesterday; it was difficult to get photos taken. The quilt was actually behaving like a Pre-K person, flapping here and there!
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Each year there is usually one Pre-K kiddy that I develop a special fondness for. This year it is Jimia. The day of the Winter Holiday Program, Jimia's parents could not attend, and I got to be Jimia's family for that day. We both liked this very much. Merrie, Noah, Toby, Becca, Charlotte -- these are a few of my favorite people.
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In early November Jenny has the Pre-K produce crayon self-portraits and then by some mysterious process known only to the fifth grade, these images are transferred onto fabric rectangles which come to me to be made into a quilt that then goes to the school auction. Some years it brings in $60; other years it brings in $1000. It all depends on the wealth of the families of the year.
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The Pre-K quilt for 2007-2008 was finished on Saturday evening and will be turned over to the class this Friday. Chances are excellent that there will be a photo of them with it at that time.
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It's not a spectacular quilt. It's pretty ordinary, actually, the way it is laid out and constructed. It's the subject matter that makes it special.