Pumpkin Patch Fun: Middle School Spartans Lead the Way!

By Lori Altenbaumer, 7th/8th Math & Science

Our St. James Day School Pumpkin Patch was filled with smiles, laughter, and learning as our 7th and 8th grade Spartans took on the role of teachers, guides, and leaders for our youngest students in Primary and PreK!

In preparation for this special event, both 7th and 8th graders put their creativity to work by writing and illustrating their very own children’s books, which they shared with their preschool buddies during story time. Our 7th graders also created colorful, educational posters illustrating the life cycle of a pumpkin. Using these posters as visual aids, our middle schoolers performed a song walking their younger friends through each stage of a pumpkin’s life cycle, complete with original lyrics written by our 8th graders! It was a wonderful combination of science, creativity, and collaboration!

Following their presentations, our 7th and 8th graders guided their little buddies through the Pumpkin Patch and along the festive Trick-or-Treat Trail, thoughtfully organized by Mrs. Denise and run by our 5th and 6th grade students. The fun continued with carnival-style games, also led by our 5th and 6th graders, while our oldest middle school Spartans stayed by their preschool buddies’ sides to help, encourage, and celebrate with them. The morning wrapped up with a hayride for our little pumpkins, accompanied by their parents and teachers!

While the Pumpkin Patch was certainly a fun-filled morning for our youngest Spartans, it was also a meaningful learning experience for our middle school students. From planning and preparing their presentations to taking responsibility for their younger buddies, our 7th and 8th graders demonstrated creativity, teamwork, responsibility, and outstanding leadership. They were engaged, enthusiastic, and attentive throughout the entire event, and it was wonderful to watch them step confidently into their roles as mentors.

We are incredibly proud of the way our middle school Spartans came together to create such a memorable experience for our preschool students. A huge thank-you to Mrs. Denise, our middle school students, and everyone who helped make this year’s Pumpkin Patch such a success!

What a wonderful example of our Spartan family learning, leading, and growing together!