What a great night we had at Curtis Elementary! for nearly 15 years, we held a Chili Cook-Off night. This was one of the most successful parent engagement events in the history of the school. Six years ago, we decided to change it up a bit and stopped having the Annual Chili Cook-Off. Due to the pandemic, we have not had visitors in our building for nearly two years. A month ago, our doors finally opened to the public, and we decided to bring back of our greatest events - Curtis Chili Cook-Off!
So many parents and students came to the Chili Cook-Off Night, and we had such a great time. Hotdogs, nachos, and a Literacy Magician were the highlights, and of course THE CHILI! It was wonderful to see our teachers get into character, decorate booths transforming our hallways into a magical world! The spooned out the chili for all to taste, and encouraged everyone to vote for their delicious creation. Kids were able to see their teachers in a whole new light!
If any of you had similar school experiences as I did, the things that kept you connected and focused were the fun things! What was the best part of school for you? Was it going to English class or math class- or was it something else? Think back to your own school experience. What one thing motivated you in school? What was your purpose? What developed your character and self-esteem? Being a part of something gives a person purpose and provides a sense of belonging. In many of our own homes, we have helped to create that sense of purpose and belonging with our own children through family activitites, dinners, and chores.
As educators, our job is to help make those connections and find ways to keep students engaged. Making connections with our students (Even those that make it hard to make a connection) is vital to teaching and learning. Students learn better when they know the teacher cares about them, and when they feel connected to the classroom. Building character and internal motivation to learn comes from showing interest and making learning fun. Making memories for students in schools helps them to feel connected. This is why parent engagement activities like the Chili Cook-Off are so important!
Looking back at my time in school, I can honestly say that I did not get excited about going to just do the work. It was the connnections I had with my friends and teachers that helped to motivate me. It was the fun activities, experiences, social events that were fun that played a large part of learning about myself, others, and the world around me. We can have high expectations for learning and still have fun!
To this day I still love the fun stuff! Parent engagement events remind me that we (educators) are part of something bigger than ourselves. One of the best parts of education is building relationships and providing our students and families with memorable experiences. Teachers dress up in silly costumes or take a little extra time cooking chili, circle students up to have some meaningful conversations in class meetings, prepare kids for track meets, competitive fundraisers, parties, and laugh with their students to make learning fun, make connectoins, and show kids they care.
As I said before, a few weeks ago special memories were made here at Curtis Elementary. I
saw several of my former Curtis Elementary students who are now parents of
Curtis Roos! We laughed and reminisced
those special moments and victories of those legendary Curtis Chili Cook-Off nights. Last night’s memories of Quarantine Chili, Hocus Pocus Chili, Hillbilly Chili,
Chuckwagon Chili, The Best Show on Earth Chili. That night was fun! Many of our parents and kids will remember the relationship they had with their teacher and those times their teachers dressed up like witches, served chili in character, and the students were their zombies. They may struggle to remember the exact time and date of historical events in social studies though.
