Community night brings in resources, support for students

RATHDRUM — From the moment they walked up to the front doors to the moment they left, guests were welcomed as part of the Mountain View Moose family. 

“It’s Mountain View, it’s the best school in the world,” said freshman Khonner Peck, who served as a door greeter with eighth grader Leilani Chaney.

Mountain View Alternative High School held its “New Year, New You Health Fair” Moose Family Night on Wednesday evening, inviting students, families and neighbors to visit the school and participate in a number of activities. 

A Red Cross representative gave CPR demonstrations, people at educational booths shared information about higher education and wellness services, and students served peanut butter protein bars and smoothie samples for healthy refreshments.  

Alicia Colson attended with her niece, Mountain View junior Meka Colquitt, who enjoyed bounding through an obstacle course and talking to people about ways to engage in healthy activities. 

“It’s something to do, I get to see my friends,” Meka said. “And there’s snacks and fun stuff to do every time. We get to talk to my teachers, and they say very nice things.” 

“I get to build that relationship with them every Moose Night instead of just a parent-teacher conference,” Colson said. “All the vendors are nice. We walk around, we talk to people. It’s really good to find things out about our area. We moved here from Las Vegas in July. It’s been really great.” 

Moose Family Nights are held a handful of times a year to engage students and offer families a variety of resources and community connections. 

Wednesday’s event also included raffles and prizes, including a Moose T-shirt and an electric toothbrush. 

University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene’s TRIO program was among the educational booths. Trevor Miller, continuing education specialist, educational talent search, said the program’s goal is to help students successfully graduate from high school and encourage them to enroll in structured secondary pathways. 

“I just want to be a voice of positivity for kids in tough spots,” Miller said. 

Mountain View school counselor Kelli Aiken said Moose Family Nights are all about supporting students and families. 

“This event is about education, engagement and fun while connecting people with valuable resources,” she said. 

    Mountain View freshman Colby McDonald, center, seventh grader Hunter Cleveland, left, and Lakeland Middle School sixth grader Kaleb Lasch demonstrate their cup stacking skills Wednesday at Moose Family Night.
  

    Eleventh grader Meka Colquitt hops through an obstacle course Wednesday at Mountain View Alternative High School in Rathdrum.
  

    Red Cross community volunteer leader Kathleen Elliott gives a presentation on how to give CPR Wednesday during Moose Family Night at Mountain View Alternative High. The evening's theme was "New Year, New You Health Fair."