Family Fun in the Woodlands

Tuesday, January 24, 2006, the Woodlands Elementary School Parent Teacher Association really drew a crowd when they hosted their family Fun Night. The month of January includes the schools “change drive” fundraiser. Prizes were given to the class that collected the most change. Woodlands students attending the PTA meeting were greeted with a hand stamp and a numbered ticket for prize drawings (including bikes). Families were served hot dogs and chili as part of the attraction for over 250 attendees. Numerosus recipes of homemade chili were voted on by monetary donations to the PTA.

BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program Manager Chris Davis, assisted by Local Outreach Coordinators Fernando Martinez and Joyce Cunningham and Texas Bicycle Coalition’s very own three-wheelin’ Betsy robot, presented information about bicycle safety. Inquisitive children expressed their thoughts, questions and opinions on subjects such as, “Why should I wear a helmet?”, “I don’t understand the new bike lanes.”, “When are the bike lanes are going to be on my street?”. Texas Bicycle Coalition Educational materials were handed out to parents and students on bicycle access, safety and education and the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School and Texas SuperCyclist Programs.

These January events were offered to increase awareness in the Reflections Program and encourage participation by students in the Arts. Enthusiasm for the program was evidenced when hoards of kids studied their tickets as the winning numbers were announced. One lucky boy and a lucky girl displayed their new bikes for photos and envious eyes as they escorted their new rides down the stage and out to the family vehicle for the trip home.

Congratulations to Woodlands PTA supporters and the prize winners. Such encouragement is to be applauded.