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Return of the refurb

Jackson Fuller, Tate Joeckel, and A+ Tutor Dennis Craig screw a piece of furniture back together as part of a refurbishing project at the Cassville Primary School’s summer school project. Contributed photo
Zachary Hunter sands a chair as part of the Cassville Primary School furniture refurbishing project at summer school this year. Art Teacher Priscilla Craig and students in grades 1-5 completed 30 pieces in the project’s second year. Contributed photo
Nicholas Mitchell works on a piece of furniture in Priscilla Craig’s primary school art class in summer school. Contributed photo

Cassville summer school continues furniture refurbishing project

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

For the second year, students in grades 1-5 at summer school in Cassville could go on field trips, have free breakfast and lunch, play at the aquatic center each Friday and refurbish old donated furniture for a good cause.

Priscilla Craig, Cassville Primary School art teacher, took on a larger number of items this year in cooperation with the SWMO ReStore and Builds, with some pieces going back to the store and others to be auctioned at the Chili and Salsa Cookoff on Oct. 28.

“This is the second year we are doing this, and we are selling some pieces at the Cookoff for the Bright Futures Program,” Craig said. “Our furniture is donated by people from the community, teachers and the ReStore, and I purchased some pieces.”

The project provides a unique hands-on learning opportunity for children ages 6-11.

“They take off the hardware, wash them, sand them, wash them again so the paint will adhere, then paint and scuff them,” Craig said. “I add the clear coat to each piece myself, then they put the hardware back on.”

Craig and her pupils completed 30 pieces this summer, upping the count compared to last year.

“I had one group last year, but this year, I had a different set of kids every day,” Craig said. “We did end tables, coffee tables, a rocker glider, tables and chairs, and five headboards we made into benches.”

Craig said the project provides opportunities for students, not only to work with the materials but working as a team, as well.

“A lot of parents don’t allow their kids to do projects like this at home, or don’t have the means, so we are teaching a life skill they may not learn anywhere else,” Craig said. “They work as a team to pick the color and decide who will do what. It’s fun, and it’s a life skill they need and I hope they use.”

Many pieces will return to the ReStore to sell, but Craig said six or seven will be available at the silent auction in October. Pieces will go to the highest bidder, and the auction will close at noon.

“We made a little under $500 to donate to Bright Futures last year, so we are hoping for more this year,” Craig said. “With a couple of the pieces I have in mind, I am hoping we will. We’re shooting for high goals.”

Craig said the students did great on the refurbishing, and they should be proud of their work.

“They worked really hard and I am very proud of their work,” she said. “It’s a good feeling for them not only to complete a project, but also that they are helping someone in need. We talked to them about the ReStore and how they help people, and that inspired the kids to do their best work.”

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