Counselor Patti Bill organized the Crochet Club in 2010. While membership is open to grades 3-6, only girls are attending currently.

“I started the club with the hopes that students would enjoy crochet who haven’t found an area of accomplishment that is also productive,” Bill said. “The fact that they can make things for themselves and others” is fulfilling.

“Crocheting is a wonderful skill that I hope they’ll use throughout life,” Bill said. “Students pick up crochet very quickly and help each other with the basics and making small items.”

In addition, the activity has proven beneficial for several students with stressful home situations.

Crochet sessions are unstructured with no assigned seating or formal agenda from their counselor. “I generally keep an ‘ear’ on their conversations and redirect or point out things related to good character,” Bill said.

As a counselor, Bill knows she is succeeding in connecting with a child by his or her classroom behavior and performance. “Teachers have commented about some girls in the Crochet Club — that they are proud and self-esteem is growing.”

Bill can tell students are feeling better because of their interaction with her — hugs, conversation or a spoken ‘good morning.’

Bill had taught fifth-graders for six years at Liberty and Discovery middle schools when that grade returned to the elementary schools. She switched to teach fourth grade for five years.

“During one year, our counselor at Horizon took an extensive leave of absence. I was asked if I would like to fill in for her,” Bill said. “I absolutely loved it.”

As a result, Bill began working on her master’s degree in school counseling and accepted the role at Horizon when the counselor retired in 2006.

“I have not regretted it. I enjoy working with all students in grades K-6 and especially focusing on all areas of their growth and development,” Bill said. “It is the best job in the school!”