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Midway Hills Primary hosted their hit Valentine’s Sneaker Ball on Feb. 16 in the gym.
Grades kindergarten through second grade attended the event dressed up in formal attire with their matching sneakers and danced the night away with family members who attended.
“A few years ago we hosted a Mother and son and father and daughter dance but we wanted to have a more welcoming and open dance this year. We chose to do a Sneaker Ball because they are so popular right now,” said Tara Burney, principal of Midway Hills Primary.
According to Burney, the Sneaker Ball was an opportunity for parents and family members to have a positive experience in school and bond with their children. It also helped faculty to connect with the family of their students and build long-lasting relationships that will help the students as they transition into each grade. For students, the ball was also planned to be an event that would help with their social and emotional skills while also showing that school can be a fun and academic environment.
“Making the environment comforting and welcoming at Midway Hills Primary is very important to me. Hosting events that not only benefit our students but also their parents and guardians has always been something that we plan at the beginning of the school year,” said Burney. “And this event was even more special because the parents are the ones who planned it.”
Midway Hill Primary’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) planned the entire event with assistance from Burney. The event was planned as a fundraiser and the idea for the ball was originally suggested at the beginning of the school year. It would later be approved by Baldwin County Superintendent Dr. Noris Price and then planning would begin for the decoration and theme of the ball.
“Once it got closer to the day of the dance, I got together with the PTO president and together we planned the music, decorations, food and more. This entire event was planned from start to finish by our Parent Teacher Organization and I am so thankful for their hard work,” said Burney. “The children and their families truly enjoyed the ball they created.”
Burney also highlights that the PTO did very well in coming up with great ways to capture the ball for memories by setting up a photographer and selling pictures. All funds gathered from the event will be put to use in the school for academics, necessities and future events.
“The funds will be used most recently in the future to celebrate our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. We are also hoping to raise enough funds to purchase a book vending machine for our students,” said Burney. “Overall, the ball was a success and I am glad that everyone enjoyed themselves and were able to make memories.”