We do like to work hard here in the dorms - sometimes maybe a little too hard, and then we don't get enough sleep. But to make sure it's not all work and no play, we take an afternoon off every once in a while to do something a little creative!
With this in mind, midway through October, we took the girls outside on a beautiful fall afternoon with scissors, some crazy hats, a few sticks, and four straw bales. One hour later, they had created a family of scarecrows, appropriately named Mister, Misses, and Junior. They worked very diligently drawing faces, stuffing shirts, and pinning pant legs to hold the stuffing in. Isn’t it amazing what you can do with some old clothes and a bale of straw? We now have a very dignified straw couple welcoming us to the girls’ dorm from their comfortable seat against the wall. The girls decided to share the family by sending Junior over to the boys’ dorm . . . I’ve heard the boys liked him so much, their scarecrow gets to stay inside!
Sophia and Enxi happily stuff Junior Scarecrow
with as much straw as possible.
Alice tries Mr. Scarecrow's pants on for size.
Rachel and Maiko look up from their work connnecting
Mr. Scarecrow's jacket to his head.
Eunice and Janet plan the beginning
stages of Mrs. Scarecrow.
The proud creators of Junior Scarecrow, the life-sized doll.
Mr. Scarecrow sits on a bench and smiles with the girls.
From 4:05 until 6:30 is considered free time. If the student is out for a sport, this time is spent in sports practice. The computer rooms are opened for student use during this time. Most students wisely use at least some of this time for study. At 6:30 p.m. students have supper. Finally, a meal where we don’t have to hurry! After a more leisurely meal, the dorm students do the dishes. The students take turns with dish duty. The rotation gives them this responsibility once in about every six days. Most do their job with willing spirits and the kitchen is usually loud with laughter and music. At 7:30 p.m. the students have mandatory study hall in the dorm. This period of study goes until 9:00 p.m. During this time tutors are present to help the students with any questions they may have. From 9:00 until 10:00 p.m. is again free time. Computers may be used for personal use during this time. It is at this time that many students contact their families. At 10:00 p.m. the computer room closes, cell phones are turned in, and students prepare for the 10:30 p.m. lights out time. At 10:30 p.m. students are to be in their rooms and the lights turned out. A student can request late lights for further study if the student can show that they did not waste time during the evening. If the student has not wasted time and has not had issues of falling asleep in classes, they will be granted extra study time.
