Announced by ringmaster Schnecksville Elementary Principal Wlliam Bowen, accompanied by a stirring musical beat, mascots and student representatives from the eight elementary buildings paraded forward to greet the school board at the Jan. 22 meeting.

Dressed in colorful, attractive costumes, the Cetronia Hedgehog, Fogelsville Fox, Ironton Stallion, Jaindl Grand Champion, Kernsville Coyote, Kratzer Cougar, Parkway Manor Panther and Schnecksville Shark led a procession of children who participated in the annual school board recognition night.

Representatives from various grade levels expressed appreciation to the board for enabling them to have outstanding education opportunities.

The elementary contingent highlighted the School Wide Behavior Support Program, which was inaugurated this school term.

Children from each school stepped forward and explained they are learning to be responsible, respectful, kind, accountable, proud, careful, and safe.

Students who are successful in these positive behavior characteristics are recognized and rewarded by staff.

When the presentation ended, mascots took off their head pieces and were cheered by those present.

Board President Jayne Bartlett expressed comments on the mascots and children's involvement.

"This was just the most awesome, coolest thing. I have been so impressed. It makes us feel good to know that what we do here has an effect on you," Bartlett said.

The next feature was a video of Orefield Middle School students detailing their involvement in the science fair.

With a laboratory background, numerous young people explained how they use the scientific method to learn and solve problems and eventually do something better for the world.

The Springhouse Middle School video illustrated the many facets of student life and the fine facilities available for all kinds of learning and activities.

The narrator closed with a thank you to the board for making the opportunities happen.

Charlene Jean, student representative to the board, introduced the high school focus for the evening, which was the A-Wing.

A video prepared by students portrayed the arts, academics, and application centered in the A-Wing of the school.

Saudi Gackenbach, president of the Parkland Education Association, and Brian Everett, president of the Parkland Education Support Professionals Association, stepped forward to thank the board for providing student and staff needs in a difficult economic time.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak offered his thoughts on the work of the school board.

"These nine unpaid volunteers spend an average of 20 hours a month in school service making the difficult decisions to keep the children educated and the doors open,"Sniscak said. "As state funding gets tighter and local taxes continue to fluctuate, the job of these nine individuals has become more challenging.

"The Parkland school directors meet these challenges head on for our students. They are elected volunteers and the voice of the district.

"Thank you, board, for helping to lead the district in the path to prominence."