TJE Raises $4,000 to Fund Future Field Trips

The Thomas Jefferson Elementary School ended the school year with exciting thoughts of next year as the students raised enough money through a PTO fundraiser to help pay for most of the field trips that will take place next year.

“Each year we do a Spell-a-thon to raise money that will help to pay for field trips that the students take,” TJE Principle David Muniz said. “We feel that it’s really important to give back to our school and the students of TJE. There are times when families go through financial hardships and this can help to lighten that burden.”

The Spell-a-thon only lasted for three weeks, but citizens of Valparaiso gave generously to the students and the school as a whole raised over $4,000.

The top seller in the school was first grader Haley Campbell, from Mrs. Bryan’s class. She won the coveted grand prize of smooshing a cream pie into Principal Muniz’s face. He was more than willing to help out the cause, and donning a black garbage bag to keep himself relatively clean, Haley claimed her prize with a splat while all of the students, faculty, and staff played witness.

“We want to thank all of the relatives and family members who helped to make this possible for the kids,” Muniz said. “All of our grades take at least two field trips throughout the school year and this was a great way to give back to all of the students.”

With the funds raised, the kids will be able to visit great places like the Science and Industry Museum in Chicago, County Line Orchard, Fair Oaks Farms, Pottawattamie Zoo, and other great places.

A check was presented to Becky Stralnik, the PTO Secretary, by Krista Kosek who represented the student body. On top of this exciting news, it was the last day of school for TJE!

 

And there was much rejoicing…