Categories: Feature

Mattingly Decorates for Halloween

By: Staff Writer Didi Wu

Smoke Signal: We’ve heard that you decorate your classroom yearly for various occasions, such as for 9/11 and the Hiroshima unit as well as Halloween. How did you get this idea?

Kathy Mattingly: “I don’t know. I had this stuff, the decorations and lights, and I thought I would use them.

SS: How long have you been doing this?

KM: “For the last 20 years. I’ve been [at MSJ] for 32.”

SS: Why do you decorate the classroom like this for “The Raven” at Halloween?

KM: “I want them to go into the classroom and go ‘ooh’. I turn the lights down, because it’s all about the initial impact. It’s not the expected thing; it’s fun. That’s what school’s about right?”

SS: Could you clarify what you mean by fun?

KM: “Do you remember kindergarten? And then you go to high school, and it’s not fun anymore. I would rather have it be fun than drudgery.”

SS: Is there anything else you hope the students can get out of this?

KM: “I want them to think they’re worth the time and effort it takes to [decorate the classroom]. [It took] three hours yesterday after school, with my sister’s help.”

 

 

Jessica Yu

Recent Posts

A middle ground in our notions of success

By Staff Writer Janet Guan Wake up. Work. Sleep. Repeat. I have always equated success…

16 hours ago

MSJ RFL & SeroMed Host Hands-on Cancer Workshop

By Staff Writers Aarav Vashisht & Ariana Yi Aiming to raise cancer awareness and promote…

1 week ago

Attack on DEI Voices

By Staff Writers Rajorshi Chatterjee, Navya Chitlur, Alex Duan &  Janet Guan What have you…

2 weeks ago

Marching Through Time Voices

“Based on what happened in these events, people learn from them and don’t want to…

2 weeks ago

Homeless Encampment Voices

By Staff Writers Tushara Devapatla, Vikram Mahajan & Cham Yu “In my retired capacity, I…

2 weeks ago

Breaking News: Zach Larsen’s Appointment as Superintendent Marks New Chapter for FUSD

By Staff Writers Scarlett Huang & Ekasha Sikka On February 26, at the FUSD Board…

2 weeks ago