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October Rocks! Evangel partners with Weller Elementary to raise PTO project funds

Published on Oct 24, 2017 by Paul K. Logsdon

October Rocks is the annual fall festival at Weller Elementary, produced by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization and featuring carnival-type activities for students and their families.

“I loved seeing kids of all ages having such a great time and how excited they got when I told them they get a prize,” said Ashley Arnall, an Evangel University senior from Springfield, Mo.

2017-10.12-C Weller Picnic crowd
About 400 people attended this year. // PHOTO BY: Dr. Rebecca Donaldson (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Among the many activities at the Oct. 12 event were outdoor games, a dunk tank, an inflatable castle, and an auction of themed baskets from Evangel’s Department of Education.

“This is a fun way for the Evangel family to partner with the Weller family,” said Dr. Kelly Sutherland, professor of education at EU. “This was our ninth year, and we donated eight rather creative baskets from different groups on campus.”

Dr. Rebecca Donaldson, principal at Weller Elementary,* says the baskets donated by various departments from Evangel are popular. “We raffle them at the end of the night, so the families stay to have fun together and get to know each other. It was a great way to build community.”

2017-10.12-E Sample Basket
The Game Night basket. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Basket themes this year included “Family Game Night,” provided by the Education Department; “Grilling Delight,” by the Facilities Department; “Relaxing Day Off,” by the Enrollment and Marketing Departments; and “Coffee & Chocolate,” by President Carol Taylor’s office.

“It is so much fun seeing the final products that have been created to share with the students and families at Weller,” said Sutherland.

Evangel is located in the Weller Neighborhood, and its employees and students have had a long-term commitment to working with the school. Education majors, social work majors, business majors and student athletes alike volunteer on a regular basis, both at the school and through the Boys & Girls Clubs in the area.

Evangel students also help with the production of October Rocks.

2017-10.12-D Ashley Arnall
Evangel University senior Ashley Arnall. // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

“Just being around those kids and their families and seeing their support for their school, reiterated my calling and passion for teaching,” said Arnall, an elementary education major.

The Education Department

Working with the theme “caring, committed, competent educators shape the future,” the Department of Education at Evangel University offers 15 undergraduate majors. These include early childhood, elementary and middle school education; plus specialized majors in art, biology, business, chemistry, communication, English, math, music, social science, Spanish, theatre/speech, and physical education.

Graduate students can earn a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, M.E. in Educational Leadership, M.E. in Literacy, and a School Psychology Examiner Certification.

In addition, Evangel offers a Doctorate of Education Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction.

For additional information contact Dr. Shonna Crawford, chair of the department, at crawfords@evangel.edu

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* Dr. Donaldson is an Evangel University graduate.