For over ten years, Crossroads eighth graders have been creating and presenting Schultute to the incoming Kindergarten class at the beginning of the school year. Schultute is the German tradition in which students who are entering school for the first time are gifted a cone filled with treats and toys.
At Crossroads, each eighth grader is assigned a kindergarten student, and spends time planning little gifts that would be meaningful, useful, or motivational for a student who is just beginning their educational journey at Crossroads. They then create a cone from oversized construction paper, and decorate it with words of wisdom or excitement.
This year, our eighth graders filled their cones with the following objects with special words of wisdom.
- Play Doh from Marcus: “You can become whatever you like, and you can change whenever you like.”
- A Slinky from Mackenzie: “Spring to the next challenge.”
- A Calvin and Hobbes Comic from Ethan: “Be creative and have fun, but don’t break things. Or do, and get in trouble, and learn.”
- A Notebook from Maddie: “The world is open to your unique and creative ideas, so don’t be afraid to express yourself.”
- A Seashell from Emily: “Sometimes you learn the most by just listening.”
- Bouncy Balls from Piper: “Always remember to take a break and have fun!”
- Little Toy Fish from Leon: “We may all be different fish, but at this school, we swim together.”
- Card and Envelope from Irene: “In this age of technology, we often forget the power of handwritten messages and even drawings. Create something special for someone you care about on this card, whether it be your teachers, family, or friends. I promise they will love it!”
- Colored Sunglasses from Gael: “Sometimes it is better to look at the world in a different light.”
- Magnifying Glass from Henry: “There is always more to see if you just take a closer look. Get to know your world!”
- Tiny Globe from Leela: “Life has many different paths that can take you anywhere. The possibilities are endless.”
- Sun Sticker from Caelan: “Stay on the bright side.”
- Crayons from Aidan: “Color the world in your own way!”
Eighth grade student Leon Schwerdtfeger greeted the Kindergarten class by saying, “The Schultute is a tradition originating in Germany where family members gave children a cone full of toys, and treats. The cone is given to children to make this anxiously awaited first day of school a little sweeter.”
It is such a special event to see our oldest students share wisdom and kind words with our youngest. Kindergarteners were thrilled to peak inside their cones and begin their journey at Crossroads.
