Cherry Valley leaps with Monte
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POLSON — In celebration of leap year, Wednesday, Feb. 29 was leap day at Cherry Valley Elementary School.
As an extra-special treat, Monte, the popular mascot for the University of Montana Grizzlies, made a road trip to Polson.
Monte played follow-the-leader with some students, gave out hugs and carried some of the pint-sized kindergarteners and first-graders over his shoulder.
Then all the students did some leaping with Monte to the Pointer Sisters “Jump (for My Love).”
Jam 300 Productions sponsored Monte’s trip to Polson.
For Cherry Valley students, Monte’s appearance was a reward for filling the cherry crate. Under the Montana Behavior Initiative, Cherry Valley kids receive a “cherry,” a red pom-pom about the size of a cherry, from a teacher, a paraprofessional or another adult at the school for being respectful, safe and responsible.
When the cherry crate is full, Principal Elaine Meeks makes an announcement on the intercom. She said she can hear cheering coming from up and down the hallways. A full cherry crate means school-wide fun. One time, everyone in the school got popcorn; once it was an extra recess; and another time the kids got ice cream.
On leap day, Monte was the prize. Judging by all the smiling faces, clapping hands and wriggling bodies, he was a hit.
