Jayhawk fundraising work rewarded with 'sliming' event

Jayhawk Elementary student Jaydan is the first to dump the slime over Carlee Campbell as the already initiated Mary Maloney laughs at her reaction. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – After raising about $44,000 for the American Heart Association over a five year period, the students at Jayhawk Elementary School have come to expect that spring assembly where they got to pour green slime over the head of physical education teacher Ryan Metcalf and whoever else he could talk into become a “victim.”

That included JES principal Russ Hermreck, who volunteered last year even though he wasn’t yet on staff.

Jayhawk students are excited for their turn as they wait in line to slime a JES staff member. Ryan Metcalf receives one of many slimings he endured during the hourlong event.

The students simply loved it. By raising so much money per cup a student got a container full of slime (actually a mixture of water and hair conditioner) to dump over the head of the “slimees” while the students in the bleachers cheered them on.

There was slime again this year, but the cause was different and the students will see a benefit on their playground next year. Metcalf said the students were raising money for the “health. moves. minds.” Program sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE).

Students in the bleachers enjoy yet another sliming.

The health. moves. minds. is designed to teach students critical life skills — kindness, respect, philanthropy, advocacy — and to demonstrate the importance of daily physical activity and giving back to the community, according to the program's website.

This year the students raised about $11,000 for the program and the school will keep enough of the money to build a GaGa pit for the playground. And the students got their reward during an afternoon assembly on Thursday, April 17.

Jayla Harvey is doused by student Charlotte.

A couple more differences this year included an expanded group of slimees. Metcalf and Hermreck were back for more, and they were joined by other staff members including Assistant Principal Pete Proctor, teachers Carlee Campbell, Amanda Johnson, and paraeducators Jayla Harvey, Katie Davis and Mary Maloney.

The other difference: the slime was pearl colored. Oh, and as the slime began to flow, some staff members scooped up handfuls to throw at the other slimees. That brought additional applause and shouts from the students.

JES student Jaxon gingerly pulls back the plastic hood that shielded Assistant Principal Pete Proctor through most of the sliming and dumped the final cup on his head. However, to the right was the slime remaining which was then dumped on Proctor and Principal Russ Hermreck, at left.

The assembly was also used to honor students who won other physical education contests. From left, Ellianna and Ryder won the home run derby contest, and Raylen won the paper-touch contest.