Music With Moms features speaker, petting zoo, fun activities and food

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- "Music with Moms (and Other Important Women)," was held on Feb. 2 at Charleston Middle School for students in grades prekindergarten to eighth grades and their mothers or mother figures. The event was free and open to the public.

The guest speaker was Marsha Hutchason, executive director of Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center (SWFLC) and active proponent for local families. Hutchason spoke on the importance of mothers and female role-models in the lives of our children, supporting other women in need, and told parents about the ways SWFLC supports families in Mississippi County.

Following the guest speaker, booths were located throughout the building. Stations included a novelty photo booth, face painting, an obstacle course, and a movie room, as well as a number of music-centric games and activities.

The "Movie Sound Magic" station allowed students to add sound effects to a video clip using everyday household items like coins, a dog toy and a feather duster.

The "Karaoke Dance" station gave students a chance to sing or dance along to selected songs. Families also got to hear a real-life record player, learn xylophone and piano tricks, and play a music trivia game.

Hearnes and CMS school nurses held an information booth about recent dental screenings. SWFLC sponsored an information booth featuring more information about their programs and offerings.

A highlight of Music with Moms was the "Instrument Petting Zoo" provided by the band department, directed by Mike DiPasquale. Younger students got to see their older peers playing different musical instruments. DiPasquale said he this type of peer interaction will lead to more students becoming interested in playing an instrument one day.

Pizza and refreshments were served in the commons, including fresh-baked cookies provided by OPAA! Food Services.

This is the school's second annual Music with Moms. This event was launched last year as a sister project to the long-running "Dunkin' with Dads," held in the first semester.

The purpose of Music with Moms was to promote motherhood, female role-models, local arts opportunities, and Charleston R-1 arts programs. The school would like to thank faculty and staff, Marsha Hutchason, Kathy Browning, Brett Blackman and their CHS student volunteers, Julie Burke, Jennifer Gooch, Tim McClard, Sarah Spain, Amy Smotherman, Officer Brenda Bickford, Brian Bickford, Mike DiPasquale and the CMS / CHS band students, Lawanda Williams, Donnell Haynes, Susan Collier, Orange Hat Productions, Peggy Holman, OPAA! Food Services and Summer Babb.

The event was a product of Hearnes and CMS Title 1 Parent Involvement, organized by B.J. Babb, Parent Liaison.