Students at South Butler Intermediate Elementary School throw water balloons at Principal Richard Cavett and teachers Friday as a reward for participating in the PTO's annual Laps for Learning fundraiser.

JEFFERSON TWP — It's not every day that a school principal gets pelted with 500 water balloons from students, but at South Butler Intermediate Elementary School on Friday afternoon it was encouraged.

The fourth and fifth graders were rewarded with a chance to throw a water balloon or two at Principal Richard Cavett and teachers as a part of the PTO's annual Laps for Learning fundraiser. It has been the PTO's sole fundraiser since 2003, and the group collected more than $29,000 this year.

Students received sponsors for Laps for Learning, and walked or ran as many laps around the track as they could in one afternoon this fall. One student raised more than $1,000, said Karen Justi, fifth grade PTO coordinator.

Cavett said 16 teachers also participated.

“What really made me feel good was how many of the teachers stepped up,” he said while dripping wet after students left school for the day. “It just shows what a great staff we have in this building.”

Students gleefully cheered as they got to step up, group by group, to throw the balloons. A frame was built by staff that included a plexiglass panel, to avoid a direct hit, and a target, where students were supposed to aim.

The equipment was built with the help of Chris Reiser, director of buildings and grounds, and Jeannette Adams, art teacher at the school.

The Laps for Learning money likely will go for a cart of tablets for students, or other technology to benefit the school.

PTO leaders in the past have been able to pay for smart boards, field trips, locker cubbies and other items with the fundraising money.