WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     WWG  —  A day at the beach in Walnut Grove in January? That is what took place at the elementary school last Friday morning when students donned beach attire including brightly colored shades, decorated head visors and Hawaiian leis.

    The party was  part of the elementary reading challenge. Mrs. Kells and Mrs. Jorgenson challenged students to read 2500 books over a period of several weeks.  

    Principal Paul Olson also dressed as a woman with high heels, and the top readers were able to throw pies at him.



    During the day students participated in several activities including a treasure search, finding objects of treasure in two liter bottles of sand.

    Students also learned about scavenger hunts as they roamed the halls looking for hidden items shown on small pieces of paper.

    In the big gym classes participated in beach volleyball using several beach balls to volley back and forth and having a lot of fun.

    In one area kids decorated foam visors to wear, and picked out colored sunglasses to wear while they cavorted around the various beaches.

    Of course what would a day at the beach be without food? The cooks prepared a healthy lunch of Hawaiian Ham sandwiches shaped to look like various sea shells, tropical fresh fruits and veggies with ranch dip, and of course milk.

    For students and staff it was a fun break from the reality of winter in  Minnesota.