Very Special Guests

​Today we had a surprise visit from Jossie’s grandparents, Magsie and Big D. This was really special because we spent a lot of time after winter break creating different trees in different materials, based on the tree in their front yard in Greenwich, CT. They were really pleased to see all of the drawings and collages the Rainey Room children had created based on the photograph of their tree. 

​During morning meeting, we were able to ask them questions. Will asked, “Did you put Christmas decorations on it?” Jossie’s grandmother explained that they did not because the branches were too high. Sam asked, “Is it tall?” Jossie’s grandfather said, “It’s very tall. It’s probably 80 feet tall. That’s like 12 very tall people standing on each other’s heads.” 

Jossie’s grandparents also explained that someone has to come each year to trim the tree and care for its canopy. Molly asked how old the tree is. They explained that the tree is more than 100 years old, and that there are a lot of old and cherished trees in Greenwich, though many of them had not survived hurricane Sandy. Jossie’s grandmother explained that trees like theirs aren’t as likely to fall in a storm because the wind goes through the branches. Pine trees, on the other hand, don’t lose their needles, so they catch the wind and get blown over. Pine trees also have shallower roots; this makes them more likely to fall in a storm. What a wonderful experience—to share our work with Jossie’s family, and to learn a few things we didn’t know about trees. We are so grateful and we hope Magsie and Big D visit again soon!  ​