Molly Shore
A giant jigsaw puzzle with a hidden message that could only be
revealed when it was completed kept Washington Elementary School
students in eager suspense until the last piece was fit into place.
At an assembly on the school's playground Thursday, kindergartners
to fifth-graders contributed their piece of the puzzle.
Before cutting the giant paper puzzle into the various shapes,
Principal Jane Clausen had one of the teachers print the huge bubble
letters that spelled out the message.
After the puzzle was cut, pieces were given to each of the
classrooms, and students were asked to decorate them in red.
Clausen said that the purpose of the puzzle is to support the
school's Peace Builders Program and highlight Red Ribbon Week, which
is next week.
"The Peace Builders Program is a positive discipline program where
children are learning to make good decisions in resolving problems
with other children," Assistant Principal Bobbie Kavanaugh said.
Red Ribbon Week, celebrated nationally for the 17th year,
symbolizes a commitment toward a drug-free America.
Kirsten Paul's fifth-graders used melted red crayon to create
various die-cut shapes such as butterflies, apples, hearts and stars,
which they signed.
In the special day class of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders,
Deborah Gal's students had their names printed on red peace signs
glued to their piece of the puzzle.
"We say the peace-builder pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance
every morning," said class president Mary Arnold, 10.
As children from each classroom came forward to contribute their
puzzle pieces, the message began to take shape. When it was
completed, the puzzle spelled "Build Peace."
