HERMANN, MO. -- During Friday morning's daily assembly at Hermann Elementary School, Principal Steve Heidger kept his promise.
Heidger put on a red dress and a tiara full filling his promise to dress up like Miss America if his students reached their goal.
Kindergarten to third grade students were challenged by Heidger to raise about $1,000 to help pay for the elementary school's new playground.
But Heidger's students went above and beyond, digging in their piggy banks and asking their relatives for their support.
The fundraiser went on for just two weeks. And in that short amount of time, Hermann Elementary's 300 plus students raised $3,675.
Heidger said he was impressed with his students.
"But, honestly not surprised," Heidger said. "This community of Hermann has just been outstanding in their support of the schools and the school district."
The school's Parent-Teacher Organization wants to put a rubberized, mat-like surface on the playground floor, and get rid of pea gravel.
"It comes home in their shoes, at least a handful of it a night," PTO President Julie Cramer said. "It gets in your carpet, on your floors, in your washing machine."
The Hermann School District has a bond issue on the April ballot that includes a $5 million measure for building upgrades, which would provide more money for the elementary's playground improvements. New equipment will also be brought in to replace jungle gyms that have been in place since the 1960s.
Heidger said improving the playground is more important than you might think. He said its the place where kids let out their energy to focus better in class.
"With the recent health initiative, which encourages more active play, recess is a very important part of their day," Heidger said.
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