Students raised about $3,000, said Lori Scuitte, an English teacher at Ell-Saline High School, Brookville.

Scuitte, who's also the PALS mentoring sponsor for the middle school and high schools, brought 24 along older students to the elementary school, which is two miles west of Salina.

It's part of her plan to connect the elementary and secondary schools, which are about 15 miles apart.

"We try to make the transition from sixth grade to seventh grade easier for the kids," Scuitte said.

Older students have volunteered to serve as a friends and mentors to the younger students. The program is funded by a Juvenile Justice Authority grant.

"It helps to allow the middle school and high school to partner with the elementary school and also allows us to be mentors to the elementary children," Scuitte said.

Those mentors represent a broad, cross section of disciplines and specialties. Some are athletes and others are strong in music, art or theater, she said.

Teamed with elementary physical education teacher Krista Russell, Scuitte said promoting heart-healthy activities also was a goal of the gathering.

"It was very successful. We're going to strive to make it a yearly event," Scuitte said.

n Reporter Tim Unruh can be reached at 822-1419 or by e-mail at tunruh@salina.com.