WIN a Back-to-School Prize Pack for You and Your Class!

August 17 2015

Fall school days are on their way, bringing tons of exciting new classes, friendships, and experiences. Year after year, however, there’s always one period eagerly-anticipated by kids and teenagers alike: lunch!

Growing students have big appetites, and not just for learning. Unfortunately, while good, wholesome food-for-thought has always been a priority in American classrooms, less attention has often been given to serving-up quality in cafeterias. Happily, schools and communities across the country are putting nutrition education on the lesson plan, with inspiring results!

WIN $100 OF SHOES FOR YOU PLUS $100 HEALTHY SNACKS FOR YOUR CLASS!

Inspired by the recent rise of farm-to-school programs across America, we’re giving away healthy, organic, delicious snack packs to three lucky students to share with their classes! Each of our three winners will receive $100 worth of tasty roasted hazelnuts and dried apple slices, both sourced from friendly farmers right here in our Pacific Northwest region. PLUS, each winner also gets $100 worth of Soft Star Shoes to send them back to class in comfort and style!

Getting hungry?

How to Enter:

In 50 words or less, tell us about your (or your child's) most memorable learning experience in school via the comment form below.

Updated 8/21/15: Since so many people are exceeding our 50-word limit, we will not disqualify entries that are longer. Brevity is highly appreciated, though. If you wrote in under 50 words and would like to re-submit your entry then we will only consider the newer version.

It can be inspiring or funny, adorable or odd. Please include your name and the name of your school (last names are not required—a last initial will suffice). Homeschoolers are welcome to enter, too!

RULES: One entry per person, family-friendly content only. Contest ends at 11:59 PDT, August 31, 2015. At that time we’ll choose our three favorites and contact them via the email address provided with the comment. Email addresses will only be used to contact the winners and will not be shared. Open worldwide, void where prohibited by law. If you have trouble leaving a comment then you can email your entry to us at [email protected].

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Elf Jana

Jana is a marketing strategist, writer, and editor passionate about promoting businesses making a positive impact. She holds a Master’s of Business Administration with a Sustainability emphasis, and she has proudly put her training and experience to use connecting health seekers with brands and services that improve their lives. Her specialities include copywriting, brand development, content strategy, on-page SEO, and social media. She lives in Eugene, Oregon with her husband, toddler, adorable dog, and well-fed cat.

125 Comments

Emily F.
August 19 2015 at 3:53 PM
I'm a homeschool graduate and I'm looking forward to starting with my own children. Right now we are focusing on family walks, shapes, and colors with my two year old :-) just this week colors "clicked" for my son and he started sorting by color instead of only by shape.

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Diana Johnson
August 19 2015 at 4:02 PM
We homeschool, which is part of my story ;) I recently finished my undergraduate degree. Taking my 11 year old with me to all of my college classes, also while pregnant for the last semester, was definitely my most memorable learning experience! Loved discussing things after classes with my son, and what a great way for my daughter to begin her life! I will be starting my Masters next week! I can not wait to continue this learning journey with my children! While we all wear our newly discovered Soft Stars! Thank you

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Ali Celestino
August 19 2015 at 4:29 PM
My Son began Kindergarten being a huge dinosaur obsessed. When he arrived home that day I had a note, and a Zip lock bag with pieces of the nap mat!! The teacher asked him why he did that, he told her he was a dinosaur.

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Amanda S
August 19 2015 at 6:58 PM
My daughter finally learned to put herself to sleep for naps after just one week in the "young toddler room" at Kiddie Korner. As soon as she saw the other toddlers voluntarily climbing onto their cots and going to sleep, she finally “got” it. The power of socialization!

(Please ignore my first post, I didn't realize there was a word limit! Thanks!)

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Esther Maria Rest
August 19 2015 at 8:17 PM
We homeschool. Very memorable was participating in the Archeological Seminars in Israel, digging, sifting, examining pottery , exploring caves from King Herod's time. My oldest overcame his lifelong fear of tight, dark spaces, the experience was more important to him than his fears.

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Eva
August 19 2015 at 8:20 PM
Our daughter had two years of Kindergarten and every morning (even the super cold ones) began with a morning walk. Her wise teacher observed that it offered many opportunities for learning. This came in the form of observing the seasons, wildlife (deer, birds, etc), connection with nature, conversation with friends. The walks often ended in the woods or at the playground. It also served to "organize" the children, so that they could be fully present in the rest of their day. There was "everyday-ness," magic and wonder in these walks - the perfect mix for mind, body and soul (sole :) Realizing the connection between head and toes is key!!

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Samantha
August 20 2015 at 2:56 AM
Last year my son and two friends entered the science fair with the experiment: Do fancy sports sneakers (like Nike) actually perform better than street shoes or non name brand shoes? Their answer was no, based on many tests of athleticism wearing both shoes. Now, when my son asks for me to buy him expensive sneakers, I tell him, Why? There's no difference on the court-and I know a little scientist who proved it!

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Lauren
August 20 2015 at 3:08 AM
I remember eating in the lunchroom when I was a kid. The food was better than I got at home. They even had homemade fried chicken. I distinctly remember white rice would come out in a nice, compact ball because they would use an ice cream scoop. Man, the good ole' days lol

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Emily, Waldorf School
August 20 2015 at 3:12 AM
While settling into Little Friends I wondered if my little one felt comfortable and loved. One day while storytelling about our day he spoke of "Miss Abigail's schoolhouse" and how his teacher surely lives and sleeps there. This confirmed to me that he felt at home while at school.

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Laura Hensley
August 20 2015 at 11:02 AM
My most memorable part of this past year of school, was seeing my children's drive for learning grow and develop. We are a Homeschool family. What started as a painful chore getting my children to learn about anything is now so rewarding.

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Megan Zuchowski
August 20 2015 at 2:12 PM
My child has had many memorable experiences in school. He has been blessed to have some great teachers who really have worked hard with him and who have been very supportive. I honestly don't know where he would be without the support and love of his dedicated staff. I think that makes all the difference in the world in a child's experience.

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vicky s
August 20 2015 at 2:35 PM
My beloved learning experiences are those offered to me by the children with whom I connect. As an artist who works in schools, I feel it’s a privilege to activate deep, wondrous, and challenging creative explorations, hand in hand with the children! PURE JOY [supported by my cosy softstars!!]
Mt Clear Primary

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NAIDA PIERCE
August 20 2015 at 3:41 PM
My kids memorable experience in learning has been being homeschooled and learning together. Being able to interact, help each other, and encourage each other has been amazing. To be able to share their love for each other and learning put into their daily studies has been memorable !

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Trina Chadwick
August 20 2015 at 4:35 PM
In first grade in son Robbie C. began
having noticeable trouble in handwriting
Everything was turned backward and
Going right to left
Got the call to come in for the talk..
But Mr. Beers had a plan see my son
Was left handed and he figured out
That was the problem so he began
Right hand training with balls and clay
In a short time he was writing very well
This saved him years of fustration
We were so grateful to this great teacher.

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Debra S.
August 20 2015 at 5:13 PM
I remember how much one of my daughters LOVED her second grade teacher! She would be so excited and talk about her day all the time! It made my heart so glad. If only all the teachers and kids could get along so. It makes a difference.

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Annmarie W.
August 20 2015 at 6:12 PM
My daughter's most memorable school experience was actually in her after-school Architecture Club. She wants to be an architect. And teams of club members spent last fall re-designing an existing empty building into a business. Her team designed a bakery/café!

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Jess D.
August 20 2015 at 7:53 PM
Most memorable so far was climbing the outdoor play structure at Waldorf School for the first time, all the way to the top at 18 months old. And back down again too with some spotting!

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Shannon
August 20 2015 at 8:01 PM
I received a text from one of my son's classmate's mother requesting a playdate. I didn't recognize the last name but I had a feeling it was his friend Ben. So I asked my son what Ben's last name was. He said, "Jammin". Me, "are you sure?" Yes it's Ben Jammin (aka Benjamin) ;)

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Diana Thompson
August 20 2015 at 8:32 PM
My daughter was afraid of lot noises for some reason. When she was in the 7th grade a student wired her locker with a device that would make a bang when she opened her locker door. The boy was suspended for 3 days as a result. I actually thought he was sort of a genius for being able to figure that idea out and execute it. So, I was not to angry about it.

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Amy Jones
August 20 2015 at 9:00 PM
My son had the same teacher for 1st grade that our daughter did 16 years ago. This year she was able to help Mrs. Johnson with St. Patrick's day, acting as a mischievous leprechaun. She delighted in turning desks around, stacking chairs in odd ways and sprinkling glitter and gold coins everywhere! She remembers being amazed by the work of the leprechauns when she was in 1st grade!

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jenny hebert
August 20 2015 at 9:24 PM
wow

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Maranda H.
August 20 2015 at 10:10 PM
Seeing an integral on my friend's higher math homework, I asked what it was. She explained it in terms of derivatives, which I was learning currently. When we got to integrals a week later in Calculus I, they were easy because of that "preview" from her straightforward explanation. Maranda H. University of Arkansas at Monticello

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Valerie C.
August 21 2015 at 12:33 AM
My son still talks about his school trip to a local museum. He learned so much about the history of our town and about the early settlers in New England.

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Sharon Ary
August 21 2015 at 2:30 AM
While teaching 2nd grade, I told the kids that there was no school tomorrow but I had to still work (We had an inservice day.) One of my students asked me where I worked.

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Patricia Delgado
August 21 2015 at 3:00 AM
My daughter just started special needs preschool and her teacher is currently teaching her how to transition without having a meltdown. I look forward to seeing all of her adventures in the future

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Howard Steeley
August 21 2015 at 4:52 AM
great gift

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Candace G
August 21 2015 at 1:41 PM
The first time my son picked up the saxophone, he knew this is what he wanted to do and before that he had problems in school but not anymore! Julia E Test, Richmond, IN

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Dana Marie
August 21 2015 at 2:57 PM
After a long hard rain our 4-year-old took an interest in the newly forming erosion grooves on the side of the trail we take our afternoon walks on.
A few days later he told his first "joke:"

Q: Mama, what does the erosion say to the dirt?

A: Let's get grooooooovy!!!

(We're unschoolers.)

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rose fucsch
August 21 2015 at 3:32 PM
they don't like to write essay about school, teacher use too much words they like do things together with other kids show each other how to do things let's out teacher

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Naomi S
August 21 2015 at 3:37 PM
My daughter started preschool for the first time last September. The most memorable thing she has said this far would have to be when she was telling me what her teacher allowed and how it was ok if I said no because her teacher 'lets'. There is a rule at her school of no food from home, her teacher allows a water bottle and the girls could drink from their water bottles by their cubbies. One day she said she wanted to take a snack to school. I said we couldn't because her school doesn't allow food from home. She response was 'I'm pretty sure my Morah (teacher in Hebrew) lets, Mommy.' I have thank G-d created a very logical three year old!

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Angela Hendricks
August 21 2015 at 4:08 PM
The most inspiring thing that happened when my son went to school is when he came home and he showed me he knew how to read! We read with him every night and having him come home and be so proud that he could read out loud to his class inspired me! He is such a smart and an awesome kid!

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Lindsay Henige
August 21 2015 at 4:12 PM
My biggest learning experience wasn't academic, but was about responsibility. I was on my high school's yearbook staff, and I lost someone's personal and professional photos when I took a layout home to work on. I had to fess up to the person, who was also on yearbook staff. I gave her the money to have her professional photo taken again, but could never replace her personal photos of course.

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kelly light
August 21 2015 at 5:30 PM
My daughter has ADHD and her first grade teacher put her in detention for standing on the tables along with a little boy, The teacher called me crying, to tell me, along with the fact that she had never put a child in detention before (that was why she was crying) . The next day my daughter tried to convince me she was sick. (thinking if she didnt go she wouldnt have to go to detention).. lol

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Anastasia Noll
August 21 2015 at 6:17 PM
I am a Montessori elementary school teacher. At the beginning of each year, we tell the story of the beginning of the Universe. One year, we had a student who had missed the lesson. I asked if there was another student who would like to tell him the Cosmic Story. The boy who volunteered excitedly described the Big Bang with love and awe in his voice, and how it was like drops of water flung out of a glass, and "one of those drops...was our Earth!"

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Natoshia Smith
August 21 2015 at 11:24 PM
I have a special needs child whom is eleven and this past year he was apart of a Lego Club. It was amazing to see him be apart of something he loves (Legos), to go on competition trips, be a team player and teach me about certain things I was unaware of.

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Beth Minyard
August 22 2015 at 12:18 AM
My most memorable learning moment in school was when I switched algebra teachers. I realized that it wasn't me that wasn't capable of learning but that it was just having a teacher that didn't explain in terms I can understand. I started with an F and once I switched I ended the year with a B+!

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Hilary S
August 22 2015 at 1:42 AM
We homeschool and try to raise generous, compassionate children. My daughter, age six, wanted to raise money for charity:water. Her campaign? 100 somersaults a day for 60 days, raising $1,000. 6,000 somersaults later, she’d learned: Perseverance pays off, and kids can make a difference in the world.

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Marine Loos
August 22 2015 at 5:15 AM
After studying dinosuars at pre-school ( and at home too!):
Oriane 6 years old: my favorite dinosaur is stegosaure. I like a lot pteranodon too, thou they are not dinosaurs, they were before.
Eloam 4: me, I like parasorolopus.

Bravo les enfants! You know more than your parents!

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Jessica K
August 22 2015 at 3:23 PM
My daughters are starting at Corvallis Waldorf School this Fall. We are all so excited! An amazing learning experience for us was visiting Brad's Reptiles off HWY 99. What a spectacular place! We have been studying about reptiles ever since.

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Sinthuja Sarma
August 22 2015 at 6:03 PM
My school experiences... I know times have really changed for the better. When I went through school the teacher used to whip the palms of our hands with a ruler because we "wouldn't talk right," in the second grade. It didn't take long to become a mute. All through middle and high school some of the teachers would be sure and bring out the fact that there were people in the class we could make fun of . One gym teacher used to mock us. He would whip us with a paddle and raise us off the floor.

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Cynthia Ansel
August 23 2015 at 9:21 AM
My sons most memorable learning moment was when he realized he could read a book all on his own! I told him to read to his nana and he said he couldn't and i told him he could so he started reading and when he finished he had the biggest smile!

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Theresa Jenkins
August 24 2015 at 5:08 AM
my grandson was about 3 1/2, playing with the iPad the next thing we know he's on You tube watching a Japanese video and singing along with it in Japanese

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Annie
August 24 2015 at 10:33 AM
My daughter will start Kindergarten for her first year next week. I am a teacher and have been learning verses and songs while I do dishes and chores around the house. I told her they were for my students. Now she goes around the house singing the same songs that she has memorized and singing to her dolls.

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Brittany havens
August 24 2015 at 3:21 PM
I cut my daughters lunch sandwich in the shapes of their weekly letters. That day I asked what she learned and she said "That A tastes better then T."

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Itay F
August 24 2015 at 5:03 PM
When I drop my 2 year old at Tong Le Montessori in the mornings, she rushes to water the herbs' pots. Last week it was a nice weather, and as I locked the car I heard my daughter: "C is cutting the plant with scissors." It was inspiring to see her joining in and all of them gardening and attending to their herb garden.

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Noemi R
August 25 2015 at 2:00 AM
My son loves bright colors and for school chose a backpack with a lot of pink on it. He attends Creative Arts Charter School in San Francisco, and it's a great community for empowering kids to be the best them they can be.

One day in 1st grade while walking home he got teased about the bag and he just turned around and said "everybody gets to enjoy every color." I was so proud of him!

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paula s
August 26 2015 at 2:44 AM
My daughter a only child was never around children. I was so afraid of how school would be for her. The 1st day she was one of the kids with a smile saying bye Momma. She loves school and has made lots of new friends along the way

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Jessica Herring
August 26 2015 at 2:50 AM
I love when my little one comes home bursting with energy about what he did in school that day. His favorite class is science and he wants to be a biologist when he grows up!

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jennknee83
August 26 2015 at 3:47 AM
The year that we learned someone was on our side and helped us through the trials of special education. My son was only able to thrive in the school system because a teacher saw that he differently-able.

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Annie fajardo
August 26 2015 at 4:52 PM
My little girl just started first grade this year! Last year in kindergarten her teacher was amazing, she would come home every day telling me what she learned! They hatched baby chicks in her class and she was so excited to learn about the chicks and the process ! Another favorite was the first time she got to stand up in front of the class and read a book! She was so proud of herself and how well she did! She has already asked her new teacher if she will be able to read aloud this year ! Ty so much for the chance to win! Being the room mom for my daughters class I am responsible for bringing treats to parties, events etc and I always try to bring healthy snacks! This would be wonderful!

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WIN a Back-to-School Prize Pack for You and Your Class!

WIN $100 OF SHOES FOR YOU PLUS $100 HEALTHY SNACKS FOR YOUR CLASS!

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125 Comments