By Sarah Gould – Grand Junction, Colorado … Intermountain Adventist Academy (IAA) in Grand Junction, Colorado, began 2021 going back in time to the 1800s by hosting Western Day with students dressed up in their favorite Western apparel.
With the uncertainties of COVID even in 2021, IAA started the 3rd quarter with something students could get excited about–school spirit week. Students certainly didn’t disappoint with their creativity and flair.
“It was fun to see all the Western wear yesterday. We’ve got twins running around today,” Jami Simpson, second to fourth-grade teacher wrote on a Facebook post.
Sarah Gould, kindergarten and first grade teacher, commented, “We had a kindergartner come in Monday with a cowboy hat so wide, she hit the door frame trying to get in!”
The students faced challenges all week with Western Day on Monday, Twin Day on Tuesday, followed by Wacky Wednesday, Color Day on Thursday and concluded the week with International Day.
On Wacky Wednesday, students “showed Dr. Seuss proud”, dressing as wacky as his characters.
International Day may need to be explained next year, Gould explained “Seeing many students in “civilian” clothes (not school uniforms), I decided to inquire what country they were representing. One 6th grader replied, “America.”’
“Meanwhile, I had to suffer [through] wearing a sari from India that I’m sure, upon close inspection, would have received a disappointed shake of the head from anyone familiar with wrapping a sari properly.”
Students and teachers had a wonderful time as they celebrated God’s blessings in a unique way, and enjoyed the experience in-person.
–Sarah Gould is Kindergarten and First Grade teacher at Intermountain Adventist Academy; photos supplied.
Editor’s note – Children pictured without masks are under the age of 11 and are exempt from the Colorado mask mandate.
