Carriage Hills Elementary enjoys a day at the drive in

Earlier this month, the students really put the “car” into Carriage Hills Elementary.

Literally.

It was time for the annual cardboard car drive-in feature that gives the kindergarten through fifth grade students a fun project with their families while also serving as a fundraiser to put money back into the teachers’ classrooms.

Principal Kim Harrison said it’s “kind of a tradition.” The kids enjoy having their teachers turn into car hops for the afternoon to bring drive in movie snacks of popcorn, hot dogs, candy and sodas.

Kindergarten teacher Helen Mansel was being run ragged filling orders for the hungry filmgoers watching the Disney/Pixar movie, “The Good Dinosaur.” She said the extra work is worth it because the kids have so much fun.

Packed tightly in the school’s multi-purpose room, dozens of cardboard creations filled with kids who may be too young to drive but still know how to get around in style.

Second grader Nikola Fred munched on a hot dog inside his cardboard creation. Bright yellow with bold black accents, his car was actually a tank complete with a tube “canon” mounted. He said it was extra special.

“It’s a Spongebob one,” he said of his set of wheels or, in this case, tracks.

With her eyes fixed on the screen and her mother Amanda seated nearby, first grader Rosalie Ayer enjoyed some popcorn with her movie from inside her peach color car with sparkling silver rims. Creating the car was a family affair even if they couldn’t make a two-seater.

“Oh yeah, we had fun (making it),” said the mother.

PE teacher and organizer for the event Sam Pequeno said it’s been an annual event for “eight or 10 years” except for a halt during the pandemic.

“It’s just like a family fun project,” he said. “Every year they look forward to it. For some this year, they’re doing it for the first time.”

As the kids laughed at scenes of the animated movie, you know some of these kids are already planning next year’s hot rod to take to the drive in.