LAVALE — Parkside Elementary students were treated to a snowball fight Wednesday afternoon as a reward for stellar attendance.
The initiative was brought forth by Candy Ness, the school’s coordinator. The snowball fight, held inside the school’s cafeteria, didn’t involve frozen snowballs, but in the interest of safety, cotton snowballs.
The students’ special surprise was that the winning class got to battle against the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office.
“They came in with lights on and the “SORT Tank” (Special Operations Response Team). The students were so excited about that,” Ness said. “The officers were such good sports.”
Susan Defibaugh’s fifth-grade class, which with 95.69% attendance had the highest rate over the period, battled the officers and won.
The initiative was aimed at promoting attendance, which helps students stay on track academically, builds responsibility and routine and, encourages teamwork and school pride.
After the snowball fight, the students were treated to snow cones.
“The students and staff all had a blast. The upper grade teachers battled the lower grade teachers and that was hilarious,” Ness said. “All I’ve heard today is how much fun everyone had and how they are looking forward to it and strategizing for next year.”