Even the sun seemed to enjoy Woodland Hills Elementary School’s celebration of students achieving 90 percent attendance rate for two weeks. It came out just long enough to warm up participants as students pelted two principals with water balloons on Oct. 2.

“It is a way to celebrate being on time and being present,” Principal Ashley McCarter said before the event as she donned a Superman cape and goggles in anticipation of being hit with hundreds of water balloons. “School is hard work and we want to encourage them to show up. We want to recognize them and their efforts and those parents who get them here on time.”

McCarter had challenged the nearly 400 students to be present and be on time for at least two weeks. Their reward: Tossing water balloons at her and Assistant Principal Morgan Curry. The students did their part by meeting McCarter’s goal of 90 percent attendance rate during the required time frame. Then it was time for McCarter and Curry to do their part.

On the first Friday afternoon in October, it was time for the payoff. McCarter purchased 400 balloons, enough for each of her 370 students to have at least one. A couple of staff members were recruited to add water to the balloons, the students were led outside where they formed lines on both sides of the drive in front of the school, and McCarter and Curry prepared to run the gauntlet.

The two principals chose another mode of transportation rather than simply running between the two rows of students. Each principal climbed atop a cart and was pushed down the hill by two willing volunteers, who received collateral damage from the balloons. Clouds that had threatened rain only moments before gave way to sunny skies just before the principals began their journey down the hill.

The event was greatly anticipated by several students, who cradled their balloons as they stood in line waiting their turn to launch their watery missiles.

“Because everyone is actually going to school,” said Phoebe Hughes, fourth grader, as she explained what was about to happen. “I think it’s going to be fun. Ms. McCarter is going to know this class will be throwing balloons at her.”

Then it was time for the push off and the foursome began their trek down the hill as students wound up and let fly with their balloons. Some balloons immediately found their mark while others dropped unexploded onto the carts. McCarter could be seen throwing her intact balloons at Curry, thereby ensuring she too got good and wet.

“That was so fun,” McCarter said once she had made it through the line. “I didn’t think they were going to get us like that.”

Afterward, several students admitted they had enjoyed the opportunity to throw something at their principal.

“I hit Ms. McCarter in the head twice. I had two balloons. I found one on the floor,” said Ka’Mari Phillips, who said she has good aim because she plays softball.

“I hit Ms. McCarter in the hip. I think it was really fun. I just got lucky,” said Hadley Smith.

Eliana Williams said she hit Curry, but the balloon bounced off and did not pop.

Emma Carter-Gagne said her favorite part was “When the water balloons hit Ms. McCarter right here in the head,” she said pointing to her own head to demonstrate where her balloon had landed.

McCarter said the emphasis on attendance and staying in school all day will continue, with a future random activity for students who are present on a particular day.

After witnessing the event, the sun once again sought refuge behind the clouds as McCarter and Curry went in search of dry clothes.