Kindergartners (from left, front) Lelainia Zintz-Williams, Brennan Gwaltney, Alyana Akers, Kyle Dappert, Barrett Hamilton and Kali Roberts dance to ”I’m a Gummy Bear” while performing a set of teddy bear-themed songs during Creslane’s annual Teddy Bear Picnic. Gini Davis/The Creswell Chronicle
With temperatures no longer in the record-breaking high 90s, the only thing ”sky-high” during Creslane Elementary School’s annual Teddy Bear Picnic on June 13 were the celebratory ”school’s out” moods of the newly minted first graders.
Before picnicking with their families, the children – with their favorite stuffed animals waiting patiently at their feet – sang teddy bear-themed songs led by Creslane music teacher, Erik Telfer.
Songs included ”Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear,” ”The Bear Went Over the Mountain,” ”Kuma San” (”about a teddy bear who’s from Japan,” explained Telfer), ”Wee Willie Winkie,” ”Criss-Cross Applesauce” and the school theme song, ”Be Safe, Respectful and Responsible.”
Several songs incorporated movement; a favorite was the dance performed to the novelty song, ”I’m a Gummy Bear.”
”The kids had a lot of fun with that one,” Telfer said. ”But you can’t go wrong – they’ll always look cute.”
Families spread out on the lawn to eat; Mike and Carleen McCornack and Dale Bradley provided music; and teachers Cheryl Clancey, Shawna Bradley, Nastalia Raines and Larson distributed packets, including the kids’ kindergarten promotion certificates and scrapbooks.
Soon it was time to bid farewell to the kindergarten class of 2019 and send the high school graduating class of 2031 off to enjoy their summer vacation.
”Can you believe that – 2031?” Larson said. ”It sounds so far away but goes by so fast.”
