Digging Sister Ida And Garden Dirt
It’s afternoon naptime, but several of the pre-school children at St. Bernard School in Rockport, are restless. The classroom lights are off in the Child Care Center, soft music is playing and after-school care coordinator Ashley Mascenik and Benedictine Sister Ida Otto are doing their best to calm down the young students, ranging in age from three to five.
“Lay down, Miss Emmy,” says Sister Ida, softly. “Go to sleep, Mister Briley.”
About a minute of silence passes. “Sister Ida, my shoes are falling off.” She moves quietly to tend to the problem. She soothes another child, then gently places a cover over another. “I know you miss your mommy. You little wiggle worm. Now take a nap, then it’ll be time to get picked up. Now, ssshhh.”
Sister Ida smiles warmly, reassuringly. The child smiles back, and slowly closes her eyes, smile intact.
Sister Ida, who entered Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand in 1962, and taught for years at Rockport and at Precious Blood School in Jasper, now helps with after-school care however she can five afternoons a week. While much of it is getting the youngsters to rest, she’s best known for the school garden she started, her arts and crafts projects the kids delight in, and the genuine love she showers over the pre-schoolers. That love is returned many times over.
Ask anyone at the school about her, and the first response is likely, “Oh, I just love Sister Ida.” Her effortless interaction and unmistakable sincerity with the children is impressive. That’s why so many older students, remembering their pre-school days, go out of their way to give her a warm hug whenever they spot her. Or why parents, at the Christmas programs, will snap photos of their children with her.
“The kids adore her,” says Mascenik. “She’s patient with them, she finds something special about each one, and makes sure each of the kids feels like they’re important to her. She’s always leaving thoughtful notes. She hand made Valentines for everybody. During the holidays, she made a special gift for each child.”
Sister Ida relishes working with the young age group. “I think we can help them so much. Their parents are so busy working, we can teach them the little things to enjoy in life,” she says. Like showing them how to plant and grow produce in the school garden she created. Or reading them stories. Or doing little art projects. Or teaching them songs. Or to simply thrill in watching a fistful of maple tree “helicopters” flutter crazily to the ground.
“They’re our citizens and leaders of tomorrow,” says Sister Ida, “and sometimes they don’t have such good role models. Not that I’m a role model, but I think you can teach them so much without even being a classroom teacher. You don’t realize they pick up whatever you say.”
School secretary Cheri Lopez says, “Sister Ida sets a good example. She has a way of being firm with them without ever making them feel bad. I love that she grows a garden out in the playground with them. She lets them dig in the dirt, but with a purpose. Ask any of my seven kids, even the three who didn’t have her in class, and they’ll all tell you how much they love Sister Ida.”
The rewards for Sister Ida are the simple things from the young ones – hugs, flowers picked out of the grass, a picture drawn just for her, and to hear, over and over, “Oh, I love you.”
“I think the Lord gave me a big bundle-full of patience,” she says, smiling. “That’s what you need for this age, patience, and understanding, and love.
“Being a Benedictine sister helps. We like to carry on God’s work, and I like to start with the little ones, because Jesus always loved the little children. I try to help them all out, but sometimes those having a rough day may need an extra hug.
“I do teach them some about religion, especially during Christmas and Easter. Like sharing with each other. Caring for each other, and for the world. And to not hit someone, Jesus wouldn’t have liked that.”
Kristy Yeager, the school’s director, says, “Sister Ida is just phenomenal. She’s definitely a staple here. She gets down on the floor with the students and interacts with them, but is also a disciplinarian without having to raise her voice or be harsh. One of the questions on our annual home evaluation is what is your favorite thing about St. Bernard, and we will always get at least one that says simply, Sister Ida.”
Fifth grade teacher Julie Payne says, “She’s so loving and so giving. It’s like she walks with an aura of love around her. More than anybody I’ve ever met, she has that presence.”
Principal Sara Guth thinks Sister Ida is probably the most loved person in the whole building. “I think it’s because kids can just sense goodness in people. The kids have such pure hearts, and they see that she loves them genuinely, and treats them with respect. She doesn’t lose her composure. She brings such a gift to St. Bernard, and has such a spiritual side.”
Guth particularly remembers an incident with a couple of students that were “an absolute handful.” Sister Ida was talking to them in the hall, trying to keep them in line, but nothing was working. “Finally, I stuck my head out, and saw her, with her eyes closed, saying, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you . . . .’ It said it all. It was just awesome.”
And Guth fondly recalls Sister Ida always dressing to the hilt for whatever themed activity the school has. Be it Crazy Hat Day, or Mismatch Day, or wearing your favorite team’s gear. One time she dressed like a farmer, complete with her dad’s bib overalls, a huge farmer’s hat, a big red bandana, and boots.
“She was just hilarious,” Guth said. “I love Sister Ida.”
