By: Madison Walker

As mother nature provided a great base of snow, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from the Shanksville-Stonycreek Elementary enjoyed the weather with a sled riding party in the Shanksville Community Grove on February 3.

Teachers of 3rd, 4th, 5th enjoy rewarding students for their outstanding reading with a fun day outside, which is always an activity students are enthusiastic to participate in. This sled riding day has been an event that has occurred almost every year for the students in those grades. With the help of teachers, faculty, and parents, the students were able to enjoy an afternoon of playing in the snow.

Each nine week period students are assigned a reading goal to accomplish, and if achieved they receive a reward of some sort, varying from a movie day, games, sled riding or a dance. Since this nine week period was around the time when snow was on the ground, students that were able to reach the goal were able to spend an afternoon outside with fun activities.

The February snow was perfect for a day of sled riding and all the students were excited to jump on a toboggan and ride down the enormous hill in the community grove. Every student was asked to bring their own their own sledl, and just incase, 4th grade teacher, Mr O.,  brought a couple for students who were unable.

Several teachers and parents helped to keep this fun activity safe and memorable for all of the students. Teachers made sure no one was colliding into trees or into other classmates sledding. They tried to make it as safe as possible.  

All of the students lined up in a huge line to take a chance to slide down the intimidating hill. Students decided to ride down with their friends on a two person sled, race their friends, or just go for a joy ride. Other kids weren’t up for such excitement and decided to build snowmen and snow forts at the bottom of the hill.

Hot chocolate, hotdogs, and popcorn were offered to the students as some of them gathered at the bottom of the hill to take a break from their strenuous activities. Most of the students parents helped to provide the food and refreshments, and helped pass them out.

“It was a really fun day that I got to spend with my friends, sled riding, building a snowman, and eating hotdogs and popcorn.” said Lacey Moldovan

A bonfire was built so students, teachers, and parents could relax around a warm fire, while they enjoyed  their delicious food and beverage.

Sled riding day is an event 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders all look forward to every year, after a huge snowfall. Thanks to teachers, and parents, this event was completed without injuries and provided fond memories that the students will remember forever.