Every year on or around St. Patrick’s Day, students and staff at Mark Twain Elementary School can be seen dancing an Irish Jig, a tradition which began back in 1980 – 33 years ago. The event was brought to the school by teacher Ruth McDermott, who learned how to do it from a colleague in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, in 1971. At first it was a fourth grade event until McDermott began teaching fifth grade. Now, fifth grade boys and girls start practicing the four steps to the music The Irish Washerwoman a few days before the celebration, which draws alumni and parents, who pack the building to watch the honorary Irish boys, girls, men and women “jig around the gym.” McDermott is retiring but given its popularity, it is quite possible that the Irish Jig tradition will continue at Mark Twain.