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Messenger photo by Kristy Zurbrick
(From left) Fourth-graders Taegen Hartman, Lexie Perry, Victoria Workman and Jillian Channell catch the breeze on new swing sets installed with proceeds from the Miami View PTO Fun Fest. |
Public displays of affection take on a whole new meaning when the Fun Fest rolls around at Miami View School in South Charleston.
In recent years, faculty members have kissed a pig and smooched a donkey. This year, one "lucky" winner will lock lips with a llama. The spectacle will provide the grand finale to this year’s PTO Fun Fest, set for 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at the school.
For one of the Fun Fest’s annual fundraisers, students bring loose change to school and place it in jars representing different staff members. This year, the person whose jar contains the most money at the end of the school day on Nov. 2 must kiss the llama at 8 p.m. Nov. 3. According to PTO President Tammy Stoops, Principal Jeffrey Beane was leading the pack at last count.
Besides the llama, the fifth annual Fun Fest will feature a silent auction of goody baskets based on themes that run from chocolate lovers to sports. A raffle offers a long list of prizes, from Longaberger items, train rides and overnight resort stays to gift certificates and savings bonds.
The Fun Fest also will include food, bingo, a bounce house, a Haunted Hallway in the school’s lower level, and a variety of children’s games.
A second chance to show off Halloween costumes is on the agenda. Every child in a costume will get 10 free game tickets. Every costumed adult will receive two free raffle tickets. Southeastern Local Schools board of education members will judge costume contestants at 6 p.m. and award prizes.
The fun on Nov. 3 will lead to fun year-round, as proceeds will go to further enhancement of the Miami View playground. Over the past year, PTO funds have built a shelter house, installed new swing sets, purchased picnic tables, and poured concrete.
"We recently finished putting down rubberized mulch. We’ve put in about $25,000 worth over the last two summers," Stoops said.
This year’s proceeds will go toward the purchase of at least one piece of playground equipment that can be used by all children, including those with handicaps. One example would be a glider on which a wheelchair could be locked into place.
"We’re making improvements to make the playground more handicap accessible," Stoops said.
In addition to Stoops, this year’s Miami View PTO officers are: Beth Bertemes and Iris Hoffman, vice presidents; Patty West, treasurer; and Ruby Nave, secretary. Diane Lyons is this year’s Fun Fest chairwoman. The PTO meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Miami View School resource room.
