Kindergarteners plant for spring while social-distancing

Post date: Jan 04, 2021 1:40:59 PM

Since the fall of 2003, kindergarten students at Wells Elementary School have left their classrooms for a brief period on a day in November, often in the cold, so that each could receive a tulip bulb and plant it on school grounds. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the tradition was able to continue for 2020 on November 10th.

As in past years, the bulbs were provided by the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). The event was organized by Wells-Ogunquit CSD Community Resource Coordinator Maryanne Foley.

Assisting students that day were parent volunteers, Jodie Woodworth, Danielle Charlonne, and Amanda Graves who, the day before, had dug over 100 holes, six feet apart, so that the students could socially distance from one other while planting.

The kindergarteners planted their bulbs one class at a time in anticipation of seeing their flowers appear and bloom in the spring. Kindergarteners who are remote-learners came to school on a separate day with their families to plant their bulbs.

“We have had every kindergartener plant a bulb each fall since the new WES opened 17 years ago, and I didn’t want the pandemic to put an end to that tradition,” commented Foley. “I’m glad we could figure out a way to organize it safely, and give all students, in-person and remote learners a chance to participate.”

Planting tulip bulbs are from left to right: Andrew Nadeau (facing the camera), Natalie Dickerson, and Caroline Miller. They are students in Miss Duggan's kindergarten class.

Kindergarten students planting tulip bulbs with Wells Elementary School in the background.