CMHS teacher introduces "Skills of Yesteryear"

Sewing is a useful skill that somehow seems to be unknown by kids today. For that reason, high-school teacher Amanda Tomkins, in the winter of 2024, started her own sewing class for the students at Clatskanie Middle High School (CMHS).

Mrs. Tompkins said she put up a notice for donations regarding the sewing expenses, which got her more than she could handle. A sewing machine is about $150 dollars, and she recieved about $2,000 in donations. She hasn’t had to pay for supplies out of her own pocket, all thanks to the considerate community of Clatskanie. People were more than willing to help her out after finding out what she wanted to accomplish since, recently, sewing has become so rarely seen.

Mrs. Tompkins has received a good supply of fabric and has been busy organizing because of all the donations. She still getting fabric and other sewing supplies to this day. She has always had a passion for sewing since taking a class in high school herself. Mrs. Tompkins wants to teach kids more practical skills, which is shown through the other classes she teaches such as Home Economics, Child Development, and Early Childhood Education. With this sewing class, she can take up to 12-15 kids per year. The class is year round, but she does accept newcomers later if there is space. Tompkins teaches them well, so it is hardly a struggle to adapt. Throughout the first full year of sewing, the class has made tote bags, key rings, pillow covers, pajama pants, quilts, and other personal projects.

For the upcoming months, Mrs. Tompkins has wanted to expand her range of ideas to clothing and other fun projects. She has also wanted to get an advanced sewing class for the students who share her passion for sewing. She hopes to be able to sell these products to make money for the class. Again, this is all thanks to the support of the school, the community, and the students. Even with all the support, none of this would have been possible without Mrs.Tompkins herself. She is currently teaching four classes and is succeeding at all of them. Everyone is excited to see where her newer sewing class goes and, hopefully, it teaches kids life skills that they will appreciate later.