Meneley Elementary hosts walk-a-thon

The Parent-Teacher Organization at Meneley Elementary opted to take a different approach to fundraising efforts this year. Instead of selling paper goods and assorted food items, they will hold their first-ever Walking on Sunshine walk-a-thon on Sept. 25, from 9:30-11 a.m.

The event puts a focus on school spirit and healthy living and every student will participate. DJ Bill McClain has generously offered to motivate the walkers with music throughout the event.

Students will collect flat-rate donations only (not per-lap sponsorships), and may solicit donations door-to-door only if accompanied by a responsible adult. Checks may be made out to CCMES. One hundred percent of the money collected goes back to the school, and 10 percent of what each student raises will be designated for their own classroom.

Students are also eligible to earn a variety of prizes. City National Bank has donated seven brand-new bicycles for the event, to be awarded to the top earners in each grade level from kindergarten through sixth. For each $10 raised, students will receive a raffle ticket. Prizes include a one-year enrollment to All About Dance, a one-month enrollment to Tumbleweeds gymnastics, a birthday party at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, gift cards from Big 5 and Rite Aid, a set of junior golf clubs, passes to the Carson Valley Swim Center, a studio visit to Felix Pottery, and movie passes.

Students who collect $20 in donations earn a one-of-a-kind sunshine antenna ball; $40 will add a Walking on Sunshine water bottle.

The PTO at CCMES provides funding for assemblies, reading programs, classroom grants, a drama program, and the annual science fair, Invention Convention, art show and scholarships.

Please consider supporting of one of our local schools by donating to this worthwhile fundraiser. Information at Meneley Elementary, 265-3154.

Toddler talk

The other evening as I settled my 2-year-old into bed, a piece of hair came loose from my ponytail and fell in an arc across my face. My son reached up to touch the errant strands and said with wonder, "Your hair is a rainbow, Mama."

Made my day.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com