School’s Out; Yarn Over
Using Crochet to Foster Connection After School
When the final bell rings, students file into Ms. Colleen Emond’s eighth grade classroom at John F. Kennedy Middle School, put down their pencils and textbooks, and pick up a ball of yarn.
Ms. Emond’s crochet club started as a small, after-school gathering that, over the last four years, has turned into one of the most well-attended extracurricular activities at JFK Middle School.
It’s so popular, in fact, she’s splitting the once-a-week club in half so she can give more attention to individual students. The club is open to all seventh and eighth graders, with more than 40 students attending the last meeting. Emond says it’s a bonus that most of the faces she sees on Tuesday afternoons are new to her.
The club offers students a creative outlet to connect and build social confidence by trying their hand at something new. Emond provides all of the supplies, including hooks, yarn, instruction guides and accessories (i.e. googly eyes). There are no phones allowed, just like during the day, but students are encouraged to use their school computers to follow video tutorials of specific stitches and patterns. Emond also regularly shares resources with the students through Google Classroom, so they can work on their projects between club meetings.
Emond has always loved to crochet, but it’s nothing compared to the passion she feels as an educator. She prioritizes creating a safe space for students, using English Language Arts (ELA) as a tool to help students express themselves in new and creative ways.
Now in her 15th year of teaching, the hard work she’s put in is being formally acknowledged. Later this month, Emond will receive the Educators of Excellence Award from the New York State English Council. She was nominated by a former professor at SUNY Oswego, and three current colleagues supported her nomination with letters outlining Emond’s commitment and dedication to her students.
Embodying the heart, spirit and unity of our District, Ms. Emond serves as an extraordinary role model for our entire community. JFK Middle School and the Utica City School District are deeply grateful for her inspiring dedication as a true Utica Gem.