Girls In Pearls

Girls In Pearls
Posted on 12/06/2024
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The ILMS Girls worked together to create something beautiful for winter during their latest session. 
Mrs. Mandy Tidwell chose a quote by Kahlil Gibran as the theme for the lesson. 
"Kindness is like snow...it beautifies everything it covers."
After eating, the ladies discussed ways to keep busy without being on their phones during the cold winter months. Then special guests Mrs. Lauren Hilty from the ILMS Office and Girls In Pearls veteran 7th grader Samantha Altstaetter joined in the fun. They taught the ladies how to make large snowflake decorations with just paper, scissors and tape. Everyone made a piece of the snowflake and combined them together for a colorful craft. 
Making art is a great way to have fun inside!


The ILMS Girls in Pearls are thankful to be on track for a great year!

They met for the second time recently and were finally able to get their pearls! There was a shipping snafu earlier this fall, but ILMS Secretary Mrs. Even was able to get them delivered just in time for this gathering.
Girls In Pearls leader ILMS Guidance Counselor Mandy Tidwell passed out the pearls and the ladies helped each other put them on. Then Tidwell explained why pearls are significant, as they form in response to an irritant inside a mollusk. The group discussed having a positive attitude in life and making the best of a situation, just like the sea creatures.

Mrs. Tidwell asked the ladies to write a thank you note on a Christmas chain link to Mrs. Even for making sure they got their pearls. They also wrote down other things or people in their life
that they are grateful for and made another thankful chain to display
in the ILMS Media Center.


Despite having no pearls yet, Girls in Pearls is back at Indian Lake Middle School!
They met for the first time this school year during a recent lunch period. Special guest Libby Cotterman spoke to the ladies about her growing confidence as a travel nurse. This 2018 ILHS alum is currently working in North Carolina, pursing big dreams she's had since she was their age.
"In middle school I knew I wanted to travel the world, but I also knew I wanted to be a nurse and help people." Cotterman continued, "This is the best of both worlds. You meet all new people and when you're a 'people person' like me, you make friends everywhere."
Cotterman also told the girls about earning her Nursing degree at Bowling Green State University. The ladies asked lots of questions about her nursing schedule and how she spends her free time.
Normally, during the first session the Girls In Pearls learn about how pearls are formed and wear their pearl sets for the first time. However, the shipment to ILMS somehow got lost and could not be replaced in time. Instead they wore pink bead necklaces provided by ILES Guidance Counselor Mrs. Onyema. ILMS Guidance Counselor Mrs. Tidwell has reordered and the pearl necklaces will be there in time for their next monthly meeting.
The Girls In Pearls is a voluntary periodic lunch group for ILMS 6th graders that focuses on the accomplishments of women in our area, self esteem, etiquette and having a positive attitude.
The ILMS Guys in Ties plan to meet soon, as well.