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One night of the year, Cross Timbers Elementary is transformed into a medieval festival. Young boys are knighted, young ladies show off their fanciest gowns and merriment is had by all who enter into the school’s front doors which, incidentally, are decorated to resemble the doors of a castle.
About 175 students, their parents and siblings attended Cross Timbers’ annual Medieval Night Nov. 16.
Besides fun, the event is actually about education. Games and plays are oriented towards honing a young one’s math, science and reading skills. “It’s the whole nine yards,” said principal Dee Gilley, who enjoys the event as much as her kids. But fun is also a high priority.
“I think Mrs. Jernigan said it best when she said this is the one night we get to have fun with the kids!” said teacher and event promoter Dee Parnell. Gilley said the event has become a tradition in the Cross Timbers neighborhood, with many high schoolers – former Cross Timbers students – coming to help every year. “It’s part of the culture now,” she said. “We don’t dare change it. We just try to add a few things every year.” Food brought in by the school’s PTO was one of the major additions this year, she said. One of the highlights of the evening was Azle resident and Lockheed-Martin optics expert Mike Jones, who brought his high-powered telescope. “Mr. Jones shared a wealth of knowledge about Jupiter and its two moons,” Gilley said. “Many adults waited patiently for their turn to look also.” “The best part is seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids as they come through the front doors. The place is decorated like a castle. The teachers are all dressed up. The kids are so excited.” |
