Emma Eriksen, a second grader in Katie Haney's Mars Area Elementary School class, dressed up Tuesday to celebrate the 50th day of school. Second graders spent the day learning about the 1950s and doing activities around the number 50.

Celebrating major milestones — like the first day of kindergarten and high school graduation — makes lasting memories.

But sometimes it’s the small celebrations that make a big difference.

That why Mars Area School District second graders celebrated the 50th day of school Tuesday.

“We need all of the ‘pick me ups’ we can get this year,” said Jennifer Renner, a second-grade teacher at Mars Area Elementary School.

Students celebrated the 50th day of school by wearing 1950s costumes, learning 1950s activities and having lessons focused on the number 50.

The event was new this year, according to Renner. She said fellow second-grade teacher Angela Wagner came up with the idea.

“Mrs. Wagner has always wanted to do this with her class and never had in the past,” Renner said.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appears in Friday’s Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.