Stories lead to lesson in giving

VanMall — Students at Skinner Elementary Montessori School in Vancouver learned the meaning of bartering in December. The 4- to 7-year-olds, bartered their talents of story-writing with Costco for a $25 gift card that the kids used to buy food to donate to the Arc of Clark County. The students presented their stories to the store, where the tales were put in the break room for the Costco employees to enjoy. During the presentation, student Simi Sen played her violin as part of the barter. On Dec. 21, teacher Neno Skinner delivered the food to the nonprofit group, who will give it to a family in need.