The annual theme for the 2000-2001 school year centered on American history. Children spent the year learning about our great U.S.A. and its people, listening to stories and folk tales reflecting American values and culture, and learning to sing songs like "A Cowboy Needs a Horse." Monthly themes included Native Americans, Immigration, Railroads and The Western Expansion. The Old West, with its colorful history and folklore, was a great theme for a Happening - the school calls this Happening "Westward Ho!" Here is a typical trip into the magical world of "Westward Ho!"… Children enter and go to the first scene, a full-sized covered wagon made from pine boards, canvas and real wagon wheels. A pioneer dressed in prairie clothes tells of the challenges and joys that she experienced as she crossed the wilderness. Live chickens and baby lambs can be heard in the background. Children do chores such as gathering firewood or try fishing in the "stream" (with magnets to hook the pretend fish). Some pet the animals, while others "cook" over campfires with real pots and pans. Next, the light are dimmed, they all get into sleeping bags, and they sing cowboy songs under the star-filled (twinkle light) sky. Next, they go into the pioneer's "Soddy" to see how compact and dark it is compared to their homes. The "Soddy" dwelling is made from a roof and cardboard frame covered to look like dirt, with real so and a pretend cow on the roof, modeled after a picture of a real "Soddy" that is also displayed in this area. Here children sweep the floor, churn butter, and feed the chickens.