It can be difficult to keep parents involved with a Parent Teacher Association when their students make the transition into middle school.

That’s why Andrew Lewis Middle School celebrated their 85% PTA involvement with a Blue Hair Day and pep rally Thursday, April 19.

According to Principal Forest Jones, that’s the highest percentage of PTA involvement in the school’s history. Teachers either dyed their hair or wore blue wigs to show their appreciation for the school’s PTA all day long.

Students had a courageous classmate on their minds at the pep rally that day, too. In support of A.J. Leffler, a sixth-grader who is currently at the University of Virginia receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment and who had a brain tumor removed in March, the Rachel’s Challenge Club formed a group called “AJ’s Army.” They gave away some free t-shirts (they’re selling, them, too) and kept A.J. in their thoughts while they were partying with blue-haired teachers.

-Miranda Beck

AJ’s Army will host an bake sale, car wash, and silent auction April 28 called the “Something for Everyone” fundraiser. Here’s a link for more information.

Another support group, “Friends of A.J.”, are hosting a poker tournament and band night on the same day. Here’s that link.