Brookside Place School Slime Event
Submitted by Kerry Rokicki
A super slime event helped inspire the families of Brookside Place School (BPS) to raise more than $16,500 for the American Heart Association. This is the second year that the Brookside community has participated in the Kids Heart Challenge, a campaign that raises funds while also teaching children about heart-healthy choices and concepts around social-emotional wellness.
BPS Physical Education teacher Mr. Michal Helmstetter added an extra incentive this year, promising to be “slimed” if the school surpassed its target. Custodian Mr. Dennis Tuorto also volunteered for the dowsing making the event twice as fun.
“I’m so proud of the students for their enthusiasm for this program and to their families for the support,” said Mr. Helmstetter. “Getting covered in cold, wet green slime was worth it to see their smiles and know we helped a great cause too.”
The sliming took place on school grounds on Friday, April 23 and was live-streamed so students could watch in their classrooms on the Smartboard or from their homes on their computers. The total amount raised during the eight week campaign was $16,518.70.
“Mr. Helmstetter and Mr. Tuorto definitely made it a Friday to remember for our school community,” said Principal Michael Klimko. “Raising money for a good cause, educating students about making healthy choices and an old-fashioned dunking were certainly a win-win-win. We are lucky to have a school community that is focused on both generosity and events that create wonderful memories.”
The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, two of the greatest threats to health and wellness. The AHA supports many efforts including research, outreach and education.
Brookside Place School is an elementary school serving students in kindergarten through grade five. For more information on BPS, please visit the Cranford Board of Education website at cranfordschools.org.
