Official Kids Mag

Clover Community school teaches children of all abilities by Suzanne Rhodes Special to Official Kids Mag have you ever found a four- leaf clover? Isn't it fun to search in a clover patch, and then find the magical one that everyone wants? That's how clover community School in Bentonville got its name. Each student is as special as a four-leaf clover. Boys and girls of all abilities K-8th grade are welcome to attend and experience learning through nature and community. classes are small and flexible. as the website puts it, "While we at clover will consider students of 'typical' abilities, we proudly offer a welcome mat to those who march (or stumble, or roll) to the beat of a different drummer." clover is a new school that's extraordinary in many ways. It just opened last august and is located on a five-acre farm. If you drive up for a visit, you'll be greeted by Skittles, the goat with a crooked smile. Two experienced women with a heart for children founded the school. Kimberly Parker, an attorney, asked an elementary school teacher named Sharon Bense to be a cofounder. Sharon had taught public school for 20 years and was an arkansas "Teacher of the Year"in 2015. "Kimberly wanted to open the school because she had a personal interest for her son. I'm the education director and teacher," Sharon said. The kids she teaches are 7 to 14 years old. "Some are learning disabled, like dyslexia. Some have Downs syndrome, some autism. I've got the whole mix. They're super-awesome kids. We've got a great first class this year." Teaching children to serve others is an important part of clover School. "We do outreach at the Legacy Village," Sharon said. (Legacy Village is an assisted living home in Bentonville.) "The kids decided they wanted to make Valentines to take there. They call them the grandmas and grandpas. at christmas they decorated cookies and took them. It's their way of serving." The children also learn service and responsibility by having daily chores. "We have an hour for farm chores. We have 13 chickens, 2 guinea hens, 2 cats, 3 goats and a donkey. The kids do most of the animal care. They feed the chickens and make sure they have fresh water. They go to the goat pen and clean it and put dry straw in the beds." They also have indoor chores. "We have a full kitchen, and the children can heat up lunches they've brought from home. They do dishes, wipe bathrooms – there's no custodial staff. It's their school, their community," Sharon said. School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an hour for lunch. The kids spend plenty of time outside in the fresh air and sunshine, and haven't suffered from any illnesses so far this year, Sharon said. You might be wondering what kind of school work is Grow a garden, feed chickens, make valentines for seniors – that's how it's done in this school of fresh air and fun 38 • Off icialKidsMag.com •march 2019 Photos by Sharon Bense

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