February 7, 2018 Tribune Page 9

y Va l e ntine
Be m

Pint-sized post office delivers lots of lessons

By ANGELA Pugh and 6-year-old Tatum notes, happy notes to share
COOPER-MCCORKLE Moen. They suited up in blue happiness with each other,”
U.S. Mail caps and jackets. Brennan said.
It’s just a short trip Then they showed off their The kids knew their mail
from their tables to their letter reading, sorting and needed an address, a stamp
handmade post office, but delivery skills. They even and to be securely sealed in
those few steps are full of dealt with some real world order to be delivered.
learning for Val Stensland’s postal problem solving. “You can lick it, but I don’t
kindergarten class at Dutch “Someone’s lost a beautiful like licking it,” said Ingrid
Hill Elementary school. silver letter with hearts Simonson, 5, as she liberally
The 5- and 6-year-olds are and sparkles,” Stensland applied a glue stick to a card
learning how to read and said. Tatum and Brennan from a bin of unique choices.
write by sending each other explained that if letters don’t Another little boy showed off
letters. have the right address, they a birthday card with a frog
The post office began as a are placed in a special slot on it before sealing it and
“wild idea” when it was time and it’s up to the postmaster applying a hand-decorated
to take down a cardboard to do a little detective work pretend postage stamp.
gingerbread house the kids to get the wayward letter The children showed they
had used in December, delivered. were learning not only
Stensland said. The children Finn Ottle, age 5, has academic skills but social
were so sad to lose the already learned that ones as they sent each other
house, their teacher came delivering the mail notes with stick pictures of
up with the idea to convert doesn’t just happen in his friends playing and letters to
the refrigerator boxes into a neighborhood. He explained take home for family. Photo by Angela Cooper-McCorkle
working post office. that the mail has to be “I love you,” was a favorite
The playhouse-sized post delivered on trucks, planes message said Vael Wolcott, 6. Junior postmasters Brennan Pugh, 5, and Tatum Moen, 6, take care sorting the mail at the
office is a hands-on lesson in and even boats to make it all “Smiley faces” were 5-year- playhouse- sized post office at Dutch Hill Elementary.
an important job. around the world quickly. old Jaden Larson’s first choice. they were sure to get some service through February the mail carrier’s credo as
Each day, two kinder- Brennan said putting mail Even children who did back she said. when it will be time for the they study storms: Neither
garteners get to serve as in boxes was his favorite part not get a letter learned After two weeks, Stensland children to go on to their snow nor rain nor heat
postmaster. of the exercise, but he also something. “If you didn’t get was surprised at how next careers, this time as nor gloom of night stays
During a recent mail time, put a sweet spin on letter any, how many did you send,” interested her students meteorologists learning these couriers from the
the pint-sized postal officers writing. Stensland asked them. Once still were in the post office. about the weather. swift completion of their
were 5-year-old Brennan “I like to write thank you the kids started sending mail, She plans to continue mail Maybe they will remember appointed rounds.

Daddy-Daughter Dance Try hockey for free!

Hockey develops skills
on the ice that build a
foundation for a lifetime.
In addition to athletic
prowess, hockey promotes
confidence, pride, focus
and responsibility with an
emphasis on fun.
Everett Youth Hockey invites
kids to come try out hockey
for free March 3 from 2:15
to 3:15 p.m. at the Xfinity
Community Ice Rink located
at 2000 Hewitt Ave. In Everett.
Hockey gear is provided at no Doug Ramsay photo, dougramsayphoto.photoshelter.com

From the two-step to The
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quite so special as on tiptoes
with dad. Plan for a sweet
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ages of children are invited
plus their beloved father
figures.
OLYMPIC GAME FARM
charge by the Everett Youth Young hockey players work out during an Everett Youth
Hockey Booster Club (please Hockey session.
arrive 60-90 minutes early).
To sign up or for more
Music by DJ PJ Parsons. Everett Parks and Recreation, information, visit www. New
Enjoy light refreshments 425-257-8300 ext. 2. Please everettyouthhockey.com and Extended
and receive a free register under the father’s click on the Try Hockey For Hours!
commemorative photo! name. Free tab. 6am-7pm
Dances will be Friday, Feb.
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Clearview NOW Accepting • Currently enrolling for before and after
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• Over 3 miles of drive-through adventure!
• Guided lecture tours in summer (by appt.)
• Observation tower and picnic area
• Gift shop and snack bar OPEN
DAILY
• Petting farm
9am
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Serving the Snohomish
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• Toddler Program • Before & After School Care
• Pre-school, Pre-K, Cathcart & Little Cedars
Kindergarten Elementary
• Indoor & Outdoor Play Area Please call or email Marci Volmer at
360-568-7760 or mvolmer@bgcsc.org,
360-668-7776 or come in to register!