WEST CHESTER TWP. — When Adena Elementary Assistant Principal Darryl Berry willingly took a pie in the face at a school assembly Friday, he did it to reward kids for exceeding a fund-raising goal. And he wanted to make them laugh.

        Surprisingly, not everyone did.

        In fact, two fourth-grade classes decided to boycott the stunt. It was, in the words of one student, “disrespectful.”

With perfect aim, Adena Elementary second-grader Rikki Helton pies Darryl Berry on Friday. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        Kids at Adena have heard that word a lot lately. Teachers are emphasizing its importance in many classes.

        Mr. Berry had challenged students to sell 700 pies through the school's Market Day program. If they did, he said, he'd take a whipped cream pie in the kisser.

        The students responded by selling 750. But some, apparently taking their lessons to heart, objected to Mr. Berry's stunt.

        “It was their decision,” Mr. Berry said. “I was really surprised but pleased with their response. We've been talking about respecting each other all year.”

        Students were given the option to attend the assembly or go outside for an extra recess. Fourth-graders in Connie Girard's and Jane Parfitt's classes voted against attending.

        “I think it's rude. It can hurt the people's feelings,” said Andre McMillan, 10, just before his class bundled up to go outside.

        “One of my friends said it was funny and thought it was weird that I didn't,” added Mackenzie Fiscus, 9. “It sort of made me mad.”

        Most kids, though, cheered as second-grader Rikki Helton flung the pie.

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