Dogs, bats, fire fascinate Cosgriff students

Intermountain Catholic

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Kerry Hankins from the Utah Museum of Natural History, shows students that bats have hands just like they do. Her class titled ?The Bat Cave? was part of the TGIF program at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School Jan. 16.

SALT LAKE CITY — The smallest bat on earth is the size of a bumble bee and the largest one is the size of a 2-year-old with a wing span of 6 feet, said Kerry Hankins, from the Utah Museum of Natural History, at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School Jan. 16.

"Who would like to see a bat like that?" asked Hankins. And of course, all the children in the classroom raised their hands.

Although they might not have been able to see the largest bat in the world, one thing is certain: They learned a lot about bats. For example, bats have hands, sleep during the day, and are present in every part of the world except Antarctica.

Other students took classes on how to make crafts, sculptures, lotions and potions, and cookies as part of the TGIF (Thank God Is Friday) program that the Home and School Association organizes.

Cosgriff students could choose which one-hour long class to take from 28 options.

"They love the program because they’re in charge, they have a voice in what they learn," said Barbara Schmiett, member of the Home and School Association.

The classes are given by volunteers who have a special skill or talent that they would like to share, but the program also has the participation of professionals who teach students about their careers.

"We let the kids know which careers are out there. We let them experience something they might have an interest in right now," said Kim Marron.

In the police officers’ class, students learned they should wear a helmet every time they ride their bicycles. When they are older and able to ride a motorcycle they should stick to that same habit.

"I make sure I’m safe. I never sit on my motorcycle or ride it without wearing a helmet," said Officer Thomas Shane to his class.

Students also learned that in case of a fire, they should throw toys outside their windows so the firemen know they are there, said Andy Maxwell, fireman of the Salt Lake City Fire Department.

Children should not play with matches or call 911 from their houses if these are on fire; and should know the stop, drop, and roll procedure if their clothes are caught on fire as well as have an exit drill in the home with their parents, said Maxwell.

Hikers should wear bright clothing and in case they get lost, they should lay out the bright clothing "so we can see it from the air. We want to find you," said Jan Holley, dog handler of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs.

"Don’t get wet. Don’t go into a river," said Adam Swillinger, dog handler with the Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs.

Swillinger said dogs have a really good nose and can locate people just by smelling them, a very useful skill when trying to look for people lost in the mountains or trapped in avalanches.

"The class was fantastic. I learned something and it was fun," said Sarah Trela Hoskins.

This year, the TGIF program featured the new Go Planetarium, which was among the students’ favorite activity.

"You just can’t miss it. It’s eye catching and it accommodates a lot of kids," said Schmiett.

The organization and implementation of the program requires a lot of work.

"I comment to the volunteers," said Schmiett. But the program "is probably the most rewarding thing we do in the parent group," said.