Community supports little school with the big heart

Northside Elementary School has been operating in Bonner County for over 50 years. The campus, community and families are still much as they were back then, having educated many generations of longtime rural Bonner County families. Northside prides itself on the quality and kindness of its students, and the dedication and support of its staff, volunteers, families and community.

Northside students have learned that there are many organizations that rely on the generosity and support of others to make wonderful things happen. The student body participates generously by supporting and donating to such programs as our local food drive, Toys for Tots, military troops and our local animal shelter. They see the kindness and generosity all around them and earlier this month experienced firsthand how the community supports them.

Northside staff and students took part in the drawing of the winning raffle tickets for their Christmas Comes Early raffle on Dec. 7. This raffle was made possible through a private donation, the generosity of two local businesses — Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Arnie's Conoco — as well as the support of Papa Murphy's Pizza.

The grand prize of a $500 gift card at Safeway was won by a person who wishes to remain anonymous and donated it back to the school to help the less fortunate Northside families this season. The second prize of two lift tickets to Schweitzer was won by Mike Mastor of Washington. Lastly, the third prize of $50 in gas at Arnie's was won by Emily Kuzmich of Sandpoint. Northside students congratulate the winners!

Northside PTO would like to thank the staff, Northside families and residents for their support in making this raffle a success. Together we make wonderful things happen. All donations raised through the raffle will go to fund an Oregon Museum of Science & Industry science festival for the entire Northside student body. OMSI's outreach program offers students interactive, hands-on science experiences.

Again, everyone at Northside would like to thank you for all your support and generosity, as well as wish you a wonderful holiday season.

(Jamie Parnell is the treasurer for the Northside Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization)