Families went to McDonalds in California Tuesday night with children all a buzz with excitement. Upon arrival they saw the familiar faces of teachers, administrators, secretaries and staff from the California Elementary school. Students were encouraged to participate in McTeacher Night where 20 percent of the proceeds made from 4-8 p.m. at the restaurant will be returned to the elementary school teachers for items needed for classrooms.
Students wrote their names on the receipts and placed them in the box to be drawn from for a free bicycle donated by Central Bank and Commerce Bank. One boy and girl had their name drawn from the bicycle box to be awarded the free bike. This years winners were Yonah Snellen, son of David and Cherie Snellen, and K'Lea Basnett, daughter of Pam Basnett.
Students were also encouraged to participate by completing a coloring page to turn in at McTeacher night. Two classrooms tied for the best participation. Amy Mouse and Kendra Hall's classes each had 77 percent participation and will be awarded a free Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal for lunch.
According to Principal Daniel Williams all of the elementary teachers and staff were working 30 minute shifts during the evening. Teachers were waving customers into the parking lot, welcoming people to the restaurant and visiting while families dined. According to Carol Zimmerman, school secretary, "This is a great program. It is a win-win for our school and community." Many families enjoyed the evening out at McDonalds even though the lines remained rather long and the parking lot full.
McDonald staff were happy to see all the customers. They were cheerful and smiling throughout the evening. One employee stated "I appreciate all the help, the teachers are great at making sure everything is clean, " Another employee shared, "we are staffed and ready for tonight because we are expecting a lot of children, it will be one of the funniest nights of the year."