On Valentine’s Day we had our usual festivities, one of which is a spelling bee for each class.

This year’s spelling bee was a great success, in my opinion, because the kids seemed well prepared and the quizzing went on and on. If you were an observer it might have seemed a bit long, but it is much worse if it is over quickly.

The first- and second-place winners in each grade were:

Sixth grade — Elijah Binford, and Lincoln Rosenlund

Fifth grade — Meara Baxter and Aaleigha Weld

Fourth grade — Brooklyn Winters and Elias Lipski

Third grade — Ava Talley and Justus Williams

Second grade — Lynsee Bednarik and Hannah Paulsen

First grade — Lesha Hansen and Maddox Hoff.

This year, North River is hosting a regional Spelling Bee on Feb. 23 for small schools in our area. Our winners will be attending the event along with spellers from Lake Quinault, Cosmopolis and North River. It is quite an honor, and we are proud of all of the spellers that will attend.

Another upcoming event is plays at The Washington Center for Performing Arts in Olympia. The Kindergarten, first, second and third grades will be going to one in February and another in March, with the upper classes attending later. The productions are always age appropriate and fun for those attending.

We have had some of our students chosen for the “Caught Being Good” award. Those receiving the honor in February are: Randi Conrad (twice), Miley Seaberg, Jose Torres and Mercedes Carter.

Thanks to each of the students for making our school better. We appreciate them.