Thanks to the two-week-long Cayuga Heights PTO Penny Wars event, the Cayuga Heights playground is one step closer to a new inclusive swing.
During Penny Wars, students cast their votes using loose change or even dollar bills, by placing them in individual teachers' decorated containers. They were voting to select the teacher they wanted to see dressed up in their silliest/craziest/most creative holiday outfit. This year, 33 teachers volunteered to participate.
Supporting the Swing High with Shane Project
All proceeds from this year’s Penny Wars were donated to the Swing High with Shane project, a meaningful initiative led by Mrs. Reiner and Mrs. Geary to honor the memory of Shane Norton, a former Cayuga Heights student who passed away in April 2024. The project aims to install an inclusive swing on the school playground.
The Penny Wars raised an impressive $1,912.74 for the cause, showcasing the generosity and dedication of the Cayuga Heights community.
The Top Winners
The friendly competition among classrooms added to the excitement. Here’s how the top three classes performed:
3rd Place: Mrs. Reiner's class raised $160.20.
2nd Place: Miss Nicometti's class collected $349.41.
1st Place: Mrs. Worley's fourth-grade class raised $379.75!
Celebrating Success
On December 18, 2024, the winning classrooms celebrated with doughnuts and refreshments while their teachers showcased their silly and creative holiday outfits. In addition, Mrs. Worley's first-place class will enjoy a pizza party after winter break—all generously provided by the PTO.
Mrs. Napierala, the chairperson for Penny Wars, created and has organized this event at Cayuga Heights for the last five school years.