Fundraiser Celebrates Weathersfield School

By Chris Frost
Eagle Times News Editor
WINDSOR, VT — School pride, activities, fun and prizes highlighted the Second Annual Weathersfield School Paw Drop on Friday, Sept. 22.

Attendees bought paws, which were dropped onto the Paw Drop prize tarp, and people whose paw landed on posters of the prizes then got to take them home. The evening also featured a 50/50 raffle that drew plenty of people ready to step up for their school.

The Weathersfield School PTO hosted the event with the money raised from the Paw Drop benefitting the student activities fund and maintaining the school’s infrastructure.

PTO President Jamie Richardson said the Paw Drop was beyond successful.

“We’ve planned this event all year long; this is our second year, and we wanted to make it bigger and better than last year,” Richardson said. “It’s a community event that benefits our school.”

She’s proud of the PTO’s work and all the volunteers who give back to the school and community.

“The PTO gets to do the fun stuff,” Richardson said. “We give the teachers mini grants so they can bring their students on extra field trips or buy classroom equipment that exceeds their budget. There may be play structure equipment getting a little old and needs to be refreshed. We are here to supplement and give our teachers and staff a little bit extra they deserve. They work so hard.”

Weathersfield School PTO Treasurer Carrie Jewell worked the table in front of all the prizes for the Paw Drop and said they were all donated. Items included were for both kids and adults, ranging from toys to cord wood and cookware.

Weathersfield School Board Vice Chair Mark Yuengling said it’s the school’s second Paw Drop, and he was excited about selling a “huge number” of paws.

“It was an overwhelming success last year, and we learn as we go along,” said Yuengling. “Our PTO has been incredible with the amount of effort they put into this school. It’s a step up from where we’ve been in terms of involvement with the community.”

He said the school has “less than stellar” fencing, and some Paw Drop money addresses that issue.

School Board Clerk Vince Jewell sold 50/50 tickets and was selling plenty of them.

“Hopefully, we’ll make enough money to put back into the PTO pot that we can give back to teachers and students,” he said.

Brooke Breit and Jackie Lindamood distributed glow bracelets and necklaces to the crowd and said they would party when the sun goes down. Eighth Grader Finnegan Kelley wore his Paw Drop shades, rang his cowbell and drew in the crowd.

“I love that our school does stuff like this and generates this kind of pride,” Kelley said.

Local dad Shane Stockwell loves watching all the kids having fun and admitted to admiring their energy.

“We moved here two years ago from Texas, and the school had 30 kids per teacher, and none of the kids in the classroom got any attention,” Stockwell said. “This school has done an awesome job of teaching the kids one-on-one and spending the time they need with them. If there are any issues, the office gives us a call. They’re very communicative. This is an awesome school.”