Many of the younger students had a chance to have a look at the tractors in the NDDHS parking lot and to think about what lies ahead for them. Tinkess Photo

MAPLE GROVE – It is important that schools, in addition to providing relevant education do so while also recognizing the communities in which they exist. North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) does this on a regular basis, but on no day is it more apparent than take your tractor to school day.

Jennifer Onstein is one of the two teachers responsible for helping to make the day an annual success. She explained what the day is all about and what it accomplishes.

“It’s a day where we celebrate our Agriculture Specialist, high skills major students,” said Onstein. “It’s a celebration to end off the year. Students have the opportunity to bring their tractors, and then we treat them to a barbecue lunch.

“It includes all our grade 11 and 12 students that are currently in the program, and then all the grade 10 students that are going to join next year. We’ll be recognizing our graduating students. They’ll be receiving their graduation hoodies that they will wear proudly after graduation.”

The day has been an annual event long enough to have earned the title of “tradition.” According to April Richmire, the other teacher involved, it has been going on for at least 15 years.

The number and type of tractor varies from year to year, and on occasion other implements of husbandry (farm implements) have shown up, as well as assorted backhoes and even lawn tractors have been allowed to join in the fun, as the school and the students celebrate their agricultural roots.

But while the day is about celebration and a bit of fun that doesn’t mean that safety isn’t priority one. “We still have to follow all the rules,” said Onstein. “They have to be at least 16 in order to drive on the roadway, and so I know some of the younger kids are anxious, but we said next year, yes, you can bring your tractor, and we’ll keep everybody safe.”

That is one of the unique characteristics you will find with many students at schools in agricultural communities. Growing up on a farm, you are taught at an early age to respect the large pieces of equipment and to understand what safe operation looks like. It is a first thought, not an afterthought.

The community contributes to the day as well: The meat for the barbeque is provided by Greg’s meat in Winchester. “They look after us every year,” said Richmire. “They’re very generous to the community.”

Different schools have different traditions, but they all matter as they help students to not only think of where they are going, but also to remember where they come from.