Schools out for summer

BESSEMER — Students at Washington Elementary celebrated the last day of school with an outdoor picnic, and pie for dessert Tuesday.

However, the pie was not for eating.

Students participated in a “Pie the Teacher” raffle in the parking lot, helping to raise money for another teacher who is currently battling cancer.

“We have been fundraising for her throughout the year, and we thought this would be a cool way to get the kids involved once again,” Diana Hansen, head teacher, said.

The students purchased raffle tickets to “pie” a specific teacher, and according to Hansen, $168 was raised in the raffle.

“That was just awesome,” Hansen said. “The kids did a great job.”

Seven faculty members received pies in the face, including district administrator Mark Johnson.

“It is so much fun,” Hansen said.

Before the pie throwing, students dined on an picnic lunch, featuring hot dogs, watermelon, chips, cookies and milk.

“We do a picnic for the kids on the last day of school every year,” head cook Karen Blomberg said. “The kid’s play games all morning, and then eat lunch outside if it’s nice.”

Despite cloudy skies, Hansen said that event was a success.

“It doesn’t feel like the last day of school to me yet, but I know that the kids have had fun,” Hansen said. “It has been a great day.”

Officials did not release the name of the faculty member battling cancer.