'Phantom' trip was a success

In October, Northside School's fourth- through sixth-grade students were able to experience the Phantom of the Opera. Northside PTO provided students with the opportunity to appreciate the Broadway performance first-hand, a once in a lifetime opportunity for many.

Performing arts and visual arts are as essential in forming one's intellect as math, language arts and science.

Almost all the students paid a small portion of their admission price, and each adult chaperone who is not a staff member paid their own full ticket price. Furthermore, Northside PTO, not the school district, paid the remaining expenses with money earned through past fundraising efforts. A few staff members' adult children did attend as chaperones, including student teachers.

Not all school employees attended; however, there were enough to ensure ample adult supervision - both male and female. We traveled to Spokane and returned home safely on two buses. I recently submitted a photograph taken of these students and praised their exemplary behavior because I thought the Bee would appreciate sharing additional positive news highlighting our community youth.

CHRISTA FINNEY

Sandpoint