It’s one class at Scripps Middle School where there isn’t a lot of homework, and students don’t need pencils in class, just needles and thread.
Sew Cool Production Company, a Life Skills in Action class taught by Arlene Formolo, teaches seventh and eighth-graders stitching skills while they help the community at the same time.
Students in the class work in groups to create a set of fleece mittens, a scarf and a hat, which will be donated to the Scripps? Mitten Tree, which will go to a local charity.
Formolo also taught the class last year.
‘The sewing industry is huge right now,? she said. ‘They started out by sewing a wallet.?
Each group works together to determine the color and kind of fabric they will use. The class meets for 45 minutes every day.
The class is an elective and meets for one semester. Formolo said some of her students already have some sewing experience, but for most this is their first time working with a sewing machine.
Students also learn to read and interpret sewing patterns, and each had to apply and interview for a job with ‘Sew Cool.?
‘I think they’re enjoying it,? Formolo said.