Students in Greene County experienced the joy of a school year finished Thursday as Greene County and Paton-Churdan dismissed for summer vacation.
In Jefferson, its enough of a holiday to warrant a parade around the courthouse square. Band director Emily Brekunitch followed the tradition of at least four of her predecessors, taking her 7/8 marching band downtown for Breakfast with the Band in front of Bunkers Dunkers.
The popular bakery is now owned by Matt Schroeder, but Randy and Phyllis Bunkers were beside him sharing donut holes with the band students, children from the Greene County Early Learning Center who joined the parade, and those who just went to watch.
Elementary students had plenty of fun in the last days of school, too. Wednesday the students all joined for a celebration of the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) program. Community volunteers and staff from several local businesses help with the day of fun activities that included active games, crafts, indoor relays, snacks and more.
Tuesday the students had a chance to throw water balloons at principal Scott Johnson, guidance counselor Teresa Skalla, “lunch lady” Sarah Lentz, custodian Marcia Roeder, and custodian/bus driver Curtis Woltz. They earned throwing privileges by winning a “Lunchroom Challenge,” behaving appropriately in the cafeteria the last few weeks of school.
Kindergartners got the first turns, and Johnson was such a good sport he handed back unbroken balloons so the young students could throw them again. By the time the fourth graders had their turns, the targets were enforcing a 12-foot (or so) distance. When it the fun was over, the soaking wet Johnson said, “Well, that was fun.”
For parents who are wondering, the new school year begins Aug. 23.
