Eighth Graders Give Thanks For Family

By Larissa Lytwyn

Newtown Middle School eighth grade language arts teacher Georgia Batey held her annual holiday feast for her class the day before Thanksgiving. “It’s wonderful to be with family, whether they are biologically related or dear friends,” said Ms Batey, smiling at the pleasantly chaotic scene of students eating off turkey-printed paper plates and napkins.

Goodies included brownies, cupcakes, apple crisp, chocolate cream pie, and pumpkin pie. Much of the bounty was made by the students’ own hands. “I really try to infuse a global feeling in the literature we study,” said Ms Batey. “We can relate to food across all cultural levels, whether it’s a memorable first date or other special occasion.”

The class is currently studying Shakespeare’s As You Like It, a play that relates peoples’ relationship with food. After the feast, students had the opportunity to share a recently graded assignment with their peers.

“Ms Batey wanted us to write poems about our relationships with food,” said student Rachel Rockwell, whose poem, “Food,” received a high grade.

“I love writing poetry,” said aspiring poet Zach Richtman, who shared his piece, “An Edible Fragrance that Injures.”

“It’s just a great time, a time to appreciate each other,” said Ms Batey.