Prop gives students inflated view of education
Greenacres Elementary held class inside a hot air balloon this week.
The school broke a record Monday by having its 575 students enter the interior of the balloon’s envelope as it was inflated with a big cool-air fan. Pilot Bennett Schwontkowski said he typically has 300 children inside the balloon, which sat sideways in the gymnasium, as kids shrieking in delight lined up to enter its great expanse.
Meanwhile, Schwontkowski explained the importance of knowing how to read, do math and understand geography when flying a hot air balloon.
Schwontkowski visited as part of an Allstate Insurance Co.’s reading challenge, “Around the World in 80 Days.” Greenacres students between now and the end of the school year will receive 10 miles per book they read toward the goal of covering the length around the equator – about 24,900 miles.
“They now have their own challenge to go around the world,” said Schwontkowski, a Chicago area resident who also has taken the Allstate balloon to schools and Boys and Girls Clubs in Anchorage, Seattle, Tacoma, Boise and Oregon.
“By reading, they’re going to come across new adventures.”
Principal Terry Ellifritz told the students they were in for a treat as they waited. “I’ve never heard of or seen a hot air balloon in a gym before.”
Students had to take off their shoes and line up slowly in groups until they could sit briefly inside.
“Would you guys like to see the balloon inflate?” Schwontkowski had asked. “We can’t fill it completely because of the obstacles.”
His crew of helpers inflated the blue and white balloon into a dome shape, reaching almost 60 feet wide.
“Welcome to my office,” he said, when everyone had filed inside. “Congratulations, you broke the record. In the whole country we know of only six pilots who let people come inside their balloon.”
“Remember, if you want to do this you have to be a pilot. Keep up your studies in geography, math and reading.”
University Elementary helps New Orleans kids
University Elementary School students collected nearly 2,000 new and gently used books recently for St. Bernard Parish Public School District in New Orleans.
The school launched the book drive Feb. 15 to help the hurricane-ravaged school system as part of their annual “Read Across America” celebration. The school was arranging this week to ship the books.
Destination Imagination contest winners
The East Valley School District announced this past weekend’s winners in a Destination Imagination contest.
Continuous Curriculum School had an On Safari Team with the challenge of improvisation. They received a first place. Coach was Kathy Long and team members included: Cassidy Long, fourth grade; Emily Sior, third; Tala Gifford, third; Shalyn Stack, third; Melanie Gurr-Price, second; Lily Ann Long, second; and Colton Sior, kindergarten.
East Valley Middle School’s On Safari Team received a fourth place. Coach was Shannon Stookey with members: Adam Bernbaum, eighth grade; Augie Rife, eighth; Rachel Duckett, eighth; Kori Hough, seventh; Camille Frank, seventh.
Otis Orchards “How’d THAT Happen” Team with the challenge: theatrical and technical. The coach was Kerri Lunstroth, and the team took a fourth place. Members include Rachel Lunstroth, third grade; Chelsea Fry, third; Michelle Kluss, third; Cordelia Achen, third; Brittany Nelsen, third; Ehlana Brake, third; and Elizabeth Bernbaum, a Skyview third-grader.
Other volunteers spent two Saturdays helping: Gloria Melnikoff, Nicole Williams, Joe Schafer, Kitty Johnson-Woods and Mike Van Matre.
Rabbit Run race next week
The 22nd annual Rapid Rabbit Run is scheduled for next Saturday at East Valley High School, 15711 E. Wellesley Ave.
A 5-mile race begins at 9 a.m. Another 3-mile fun run follows at 10. Participants may check-in on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. or Saturday from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at the high school. Runners also can enjoy the annual pancake breakfast served that morning.
The entry fee at the race is $15. The run benefits the graduating class Senior All-Knighter event. For more information, go to EVSD’s Web site, www.evsd.org.
EVMS students tops at music contest
These East Valley Middle School students participated in the Eastern Washington Music Educators Association Solo Ensemble Festival and received the highest No. 1: Alicia Hubert, Sami Cruz, Kimberly Fritz, Annie Burrow, Jon Merkel, Nicole Jonard, Amanda Apgar, Katie Radmer, Kori Hough, Marissa Nickerson and Leland Hale.
From Mountain View Middle School, the following students participating in the solo-ensemble competition also received a 1 rating for excellent performances.
Seventh-grade orchestra students: Jenessa Madison, Cassondra Plunkett, Katie Martes, Brian Coyne, Chris Allmand, Sarah Peterson, Jennifer Kersh, Melissa Kersh, Jennifer Kersh, Andrew Carter, Melissa Kersh, Jenni Smasne, Staci King, Margaret Clark, Kaili Lawrence, Jaren Novakovich, Kim Thatcher, Taylor Cox, Julia Marquess, Taylor Hansen, Hillary Pirolo and Julia Marquiss.
Eighth-grade orchestra students: Merrill Lines, Robbie Bise, Jachson Romney, Samantha Gilson, Chelsea Denzin, Jackson Romney, Sarah Kritz, Stephanie Davis, Cierra Nelson, Kelly Johnson, Sarah Kritz, Stephanie Davis, Danielle Harris, Jessica Weitman, Danielle Harris, Jessica Weitman, Shelbea Bean, Jackson Romney, Stephanie Davis, Sarah Kritz, Cierra Nelson and Daniel Eik.