Students from across the county’s progressive education programs (PEP) came together for a Valentine’s Day fundraising celebration where the assistant principal Jason Rollins won the privilege of kissing the guest of honor - Winnie the piglet. The parent teacher organization for PEP, and PEP Partners, put on the fundraiser raising over $400 for the program. The day also marked a celebration for the students, bringing together the PEP programs from around the county to T.C. Roberson’s PEP gym for valentines fun and lots of love.
Students danced to music, put on temporary tattoos, and best of all got to pet and kiss Winnie the pig. Remarkably calm through all the fanfare, Winnie seemed to enjoy the attention and pets.
The “kissing booth” theme helped students learn about voting as well. Students voted with their fundraising dollars on which teacher or administrator would get to kiss the pig - assistant principal Jason Rollins winning the first smooch.
“It’s not just about raising funds,” said PEP Partners president Maria Askea. “It’s about raising awareness about what the program is and being able to include everybody - students, families, and staff, bringing everyone together in a fun way.”
“Our students get to socialize, learn about voting, and have fun,” said PEP principal Melanie Ramsey. “We’re about the transdisciplinary approach here. Being able to include life skills and educational skills is just another great way to teach our kids and raise funds at the