White Pine School Open House “a la Mode”

White Pine School Open House and Ice Cream Social – Staff Photo by Ashley West

This past Thursday, White Pine Middle and Elementary School hosted their annual open house to inform parents of what is occurring throughout the school year. The PTO, Parent Teacher Organization, addressed school fundraising including the fairly new 5K event. Last year, White Pine held a Cyclone Storm Run. However, this year the school is switching things up with a race designed like the popular Color Me Rad 5K. Racers will receive a black and neon Cyclone Color Run t-shirt. Parents and students can choose to purchase the shirt only if they wish, but the idea of being splattered with a rainbow of colors has increased the interest of participants. The counselors then addressed several issues facing the school and how they are being combated this year. The counselors are promoting leadership among the students by awarding leadership certificates each 9-weeks to selected students. This continuing program goes hand in hand with the anti-bullying campaign. By teaching students the importance of leadership and respect, the school hopes to stomp out bullying. Finally, the principal, Mr. Walker, gave tribute to the retirees of this past school year as well as to the new teacher for this school year. He also gave a round of applause for all the faculty and parents before eager students got in line for ice cream. Students and parents alike look forward to the expected ice cream bar after the meeting before they go to greet teachers. The students appeared happy creating sprinkles covered sundaes and seemed eager for the new coming school year, as they crowded around the tables and filled the halls.