On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students representing West Elementary School in Long Beach proudly presented a $500 donation to the Long Beach Soup Kitchen. The funds were raised through the school’s annual Turkey Trot Fundraiser. The contribution reflected the collective effort and generosity of the school community, led by its youngest learners. West Principal Amy Dirolf said, “Through efforts like this, our students are learning the importance of compassion, service, and showing kindness to others in meaningful ways.”

This effort is part of West Elementary’s 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge, an initiative that encourages students to take responsibility for their words, actions, and choices and is also part of the school’s upcoming milestone centennial celebration.

West Elementary School recently hosted a successful Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Night, STEAM, and every room was filled with energy and enthusiasm for all things STEAM. Students and guests were invited to explore a variety of hands-on activities set up throughout the building. Popular themes included Dot Candy Architecture, Slime Time, Balloon Rocket Racer, and Dash Dash Derby among the many.

The evening brought science to life for participants of all ages. Some memorable highlights included a “Tower to Table” raffle, in which one lucky winner took home hydroponic lettuce grown in the school’s Flex Farm Hydroponic Grow Tower. The Long Beach High School Robotics Team also hosted an exciting demonstration, and high school student volunteers helped run the popular Elephant Toothpaste Station.

Click here to view the West Students Enjoy an Evening of Science Fun slideshow.