Mariner Middle students plan fall fundraisers for Florida trip

Mariner Middle students continue to raise funds for their trip to Florida in June 2016.

Fifty students signed up for a four-day WorldStrides DiscoverNow! Program where they will study and learn firsthand about Florida's watersheds and ecosystems. Teacher and trip coordinator Carly Zych said the cost is about $1,500 per student, and fundraisers are crucial to help keep costs down.

Several fundraisers over the summer raised about $2,500 for the trip, she said.

With school back in session, Zych said students have several more fundraisers planned. Students will sell Kidstuff coupon books for the first two weeks. Books are $25 cash only with $45 in coupons for area stores that are good until December 2016. The group will receive $12.50 for every book sold; a student who sells five books will get a sixth free, which the student can keep or sell for profit, Zych said.

Concessions Stand

Students can also raise money for the trip by working concession stands during home football, soccer and field hockey games. Football games will be held Sept. 24; Oct. 8 and 29; and Nov. 5. Soccer and field hockey will be held Sept. 28; Oct. 7, 19, 21 and 28; and Nov. 2 and 4. Those who help run the concession stand or donate to it will split the profits, Zych said.

On Sept. 26, Mariner will hold a Quarter Auction and students who donate will share the profits. Zych said she would like students to donate at least five items valued at $25 or more.

“We want donations in advance to use for advertising purposes,” Zych said, adding she plans to update her list to make sure various businesses are represented.

In October, Zych said the school will hold a community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The cost is two parking spaces for $20 and $10 per table. “If you want to rent space, money is applied to your student's account,” Zych said. Any money made from the sale can also be applied to a student's account.

Zych said she is looking into a dunking booth or other fun activities during the sale.

A Mariner Halloween Movie Night featuring “Hotel Transylvania” is planned from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in the Milton Theatre. Zych said they are still working out details, but they may serve hot chocolate and cookies with a tip jar on the side. “Either way, it's guaranteed fun,” Zych said.

For more information, call Mariner at 698-8516.