Athol volunteers recognized at luncheon
One-on-one attention.
It’s something Cindy Post says she never had in her life as a child. That’s why she spends an hour each week reading to children at Athol Elementary School.
“It’s just wonderful,” Post said.
The Bayview woman and other volunteers who spend time reading and making copies and chaperoning field trips were treated to a Mexican fiesta this week in the school library.
Principal Kathy Thomas told the volunteers that their time is especially important during an era of increasing pressure on kids to perform on standardized tests.
“The support our volunteers are giving sends the message to kids that, ‘It’s tough, but we’re here to help you,’ ” Thomas said.
Thomas read a poem that said there’s a special place in heaven for volunteers.
Volunteer Melinda Ely, of Bayview, said she already feels appreciated every time she’s with the students.
“They appreciate everything,” she said. “They’re well-mannered and they’re a lot of fun.”
Teacher Rona True said the time volunteers spend in the school helps tremendously.
“These guys are awesome,” she said. “We can’t say enough about them.”
The volunteers who attended Monday’s reception received pins and coffee mugs with flowers inside, along with a full meal prepared by school staff.
Volunteers at the luncheon included Cindy Post, Melinda Ely, Karen Jenoway, Julie Trumble, Terrie Harsh, Kelly Larsen, Ronda Rajewski, Alena Woodworth, Shan Salois, Lois Runkle, Tanya Ziegler, Herb Huseland, Darby Tonkin, Heidi Meijerink, Gloria Turkovsky and Lisa Russell.
Post Falls Spring Sing on Monday
Students at the Frederick Post Kindergarten for weeks have been practicing for the fourth Annual Spring Sing.
But when the 425 students gather Monday at the Post Falls High Arena, it will be the first time all of the students have performed together.
“It’s not only the dress rehearsal, it’s the performance,” Principal Julie Billetz said. “It always goes surprisingly well and the children are precious.”
The show begins at 7 p.m.
Lakeland candidate forums set
The Lakeland School District is sponsoring trustee candidate forums at Athol and Garwood elementary schools.
In Zone 2 – which includes the towns of Athol and Bayview – incumbent Barbara Puckett is being challenged by Dan Gregg. The forum in Athol begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
In Zone 3, longtime trustee Don Soltman is not seeking re-election. Four candidates have filed for the position, which represents residents of the lower Twin Lakes, Chilco and Garwood areas, south to Boekel Road. The forum at Garwood Elementary begins at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday.
Candidates for Zone 3 include Paul Matthews, Floyd Moyer, Richard Reese and Tim Skubitz.
Polls will be open noon to 8 p.m. May 20.
Polling places for Zone 2 are Athol Elementary School and the Bayview Community Center. Zone 3 polling places are Garwood and Twin Lakes elementary schools.