Dear Fellow Co-op Community
In April of 1994 I was able to ring the Schoolhouse bell for the first time as a staff member, having begun working with Maureen in the inaugural multi-age class at Co-op, school year 1993-1994.
Maureen made my crown, with the number 36 on top. She asked the group, “How old is Christie turning?”
One eager child volunteered their answer: “She’s turning sixty-three!”
We were pleased a child amongst us at circle time recognized numbers, albeit transposed.
To myself, I thought: “SIXTY-THREE??! So far off in the future!”
Yet, seemingly only a few Good Morning Everyone and Hi-ho’s later, I did, on April 21, 2021, get to wear a crown made for me by Dagan with “63” glittered upon it! I pulled the rope to the schoolhouse bell for each year and “one to grow on”.
On June 2, 2021, Dagan and I congratulated this year’s group of Monday-Wednesday Class members. Children and their families successfully (and safely) completed the school term.
In the hours following that completion, I have come to realize that “plenty is enough”.
My work at Co-op is done.
I look forward to playtime with my grandchildren, my adult children, and my sisters.
Pete and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this summer. Time for some off season travel together (mid-winter in Minnesota?!?).
And time to pursue passions related to Earth justice, divergent educational theories, and the preservation of voter’s rights.
Thank You, Maureen for steadfastly steering the giant Ship Co-op into the future.
Thank You, Jaime and Dagan for the team work.
Thank You Co-op families for cooperating together for the love of our community of precious children.
Peace and Love,
Christie
