August 25, 2009

Axtell marketing students hold fundraiser

Marketing students at Axtell Educational Center held a fundraiser last Friday, August 21, to raise funds for the Outward Bound program and a school zoo trip in the spring. Nine students participated in the sale, which grossed $132.00, selling snacks, key chains and plants.

The Outward Bound program is a wilderness adventure retreat that builds self-confidence and leadership skills, as well as emphasizing team-work and self efficacy. Over the past three years, 27 Axtell students have participated in the trip to Leadville, Colorado.

The students need to raise $9,000 to participate in this year’s trip. Additional fundraisers will be held throughout the year and donations are welcome. For more information, contact Axtell Educational Center 316-284-6230.

Photo: Sue Engel pays Michaela Jaso for her selections from the Axtell Marketing class fundraising sale.

August 19, 2009

Sunset Prairie Restoration Project Continues to Grow

The Sunset Elementary School Prairie Restoration Project, initiated two years ago, continued to expand this week as new and returning staff added several new plants to the existing garden.

The first staff meeting of the year for Sunset employees was an all-staff planting party, designed to enhance the Prairie garden while integrating new staff into the school. The exercise was also a kick-off for the school’s 2009-’10 “Going Green” theme.

The Sunset Prairie Restoration project was initiated under the Earth Partnership for Schools Program. In addition to the students’ and teachers’ contributions, many community volunteers and staff from the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, have contributed time and assistance to help create and maintain the prairie plantings.

Photo (by Amber Celestin): Sunset teachers (left to right) Ronna Hammel (Kindergarten), Kallie Fitzgerald (Kindergarten), Carla McConnell (Para), Susan Cameron (1st Grade), and Diane Unruh (Kindergarten) install new plants in the school’s prairie garden.