Inside Our Schools: CV preschoolers raise money for St. Jude’s

Preschoolers who attend the Central Valley Early Learning Center raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and learned about helping other children.

“The kids are really excited about it,” said their teacher, Cherie Willis.

The 3-, 4- and 5-year-old students received pledges from family and friends and completed laps in the bike room on tricycles April 10.

“They really earn their money triking around,” Willis said.

It’s the third year Willis’ class has done the fundraiser and this year they raised $1,471.

Willis explained to the students the safety rules of riding their tricycles. Many of them knew they should wear a helmet, there should be no speeding and if someone falls down, stop to help.

“We’re doing this for the sick little kids,” said Paige Crossman, 5. “I like riding my bike and my scooter and the rest of my school’s bikes.”

In all, the 15 students spent about six and a half hours on their trikes.

Many of them didn’t know it while they raised funds, but St. Jude’s rewards the children with prizes for their efforts, and Willis said they receive a letter from the hospital explaining how the funds they raised were used to help a patient.

“It’s really exciting for the children to know that they’re helping the kiddos,” said Barbara Sattler, administrator of the Early Learning Center.

WV band and color guard return

The West Valley High School marching band and color guard has returned from a trip to Southern California with some hardware from their competitive efforts.

The percussion ensemble earned first place in the AA Division, the wind ensemble earned second place, and the jazz band took home third place.

The marching band received a silver medal in the Disneyland Resort parade and the color guard took home a bronze medal.

Kayla DeVleming, a senior, received the 2014 Disneyland “Standing Strong” Award, which was presented to the student who has persevered to become an outstanding musician and student. She was the only student of 1,800 to receive the award.

Scholarship recipients

Chris Bowerson and Jon Travis, seniors at West Valley High School who attend Spokane Valley Tech, presented a project at the Pacific Northwest Apprenticeship Conference this week.

Their project described the potential for use of Washington-grown biodiesel in the aviation industry. They also operated a wind tunnel they constructed.

Each of them received a $500 scholarship for their efforts.

Ronald McDonald visit

Ronald McDonald visited students at Pasadena Park to talk about being food friends and part of the districtwide, “positive culture” program. Different schools are completing projects related to anti-bullying and creating a positive school culture.

Along with the visit from Ronald, Pasadena teachers worked behind the counter at the Argonne McDonald’s. Students and their families came to the restaurant to see their teachers working and practicing being good friends.

Students in Shelly Crisp’s and Shelby Rothstrom’s classes won Happy Meals.