About 300 people passed through the Falls High School cafeteria Friday to view about 95 gnome home and fairy garden projects designed and created by sixth-grade students.
According to sixth-grade teacher Beth Shermoen, she introduced the project last year as the art teacher and was able to continue it this year with the help of her colleagues.
“Other teachers taught my curriculum to my class so this project could continue on,” she said.
While the bulk of the work was completed by students, Shermoen said parent volunteers were equipped with glue guns to help. It was those volunteers and FHS shop class teacher, George McDonald, who made the project possible for students, she said, adding the custodial staff were supportive of the mess, “and it was a big one.”
The elaborate projects took about two weeks to complete and were required to be 90 percent biodegradable. The other 10 percent is student choice.
”No money is spent on the project outside of the biodegradable coi pots that are used as the gnome home and fairy garden base,” Shermoen said. “Students created hunting shacks, tropical islands, castles, Christmas fairy gardens and more. Not one project was the same.”
Students were able to show off their projects Friday to family and friends and Shermoen reports this year saw a better turnout than last.
“We may have to think of an extended time block for next year or have them on display,” she said of the annual project. “The kids and teachers were thrilled at the turnout. The pride in the students and their work was truly the greatest part of the event.”
