Valley View Elementary raises nearly $4K

BONNERS FERRY — Valley View Elementary students rallied to raise $ 3,884.95 for the American Heart Association through their fundraising program, Kids Heart Challenge.

Their original goal was $1,500 but that was achieved quickly in the first week because of the good-hearted challenge of duct-taping their principal, Harmon Newhouse.

If they raised $100 individually, students were allowed to duct tape Newhouse.

On Thursday, March 11, 15 students in grades ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade had much fun and excitement “sticking it to their principal.”

Physical Education teacher Paula Petesch would like to thank everyone who donated to the fundraiser to promote heart-healthy activities.

The school’s top fundraiser this year is a third grader, Chad Kerttu, who raised $656.56 in honor of his little sister, who has a special heart and who is genuinely a Heart Hero. Chad’s brother Cameron, who is a sixth grader, was the top fundraiser last year.

According to Petesch, the school raised $1,400, but that was a low amount because of COVID-19 disruptions.

“We have been doing this for six years with me and 20 years with the previous P.E. teacher, Mr. John Beck,” Petesch stated.

When planning the reward, Harmon did some research and thought of the duct taping idea.

“He ended up being on the cafeteria wall for nearly two hours during lunchtime so that all of the students in the school could see him there," Petesch said. “The students were so excited about it.”