WEST MILFORD Sending your young teenage kids off on a Saturday to go rockin’ might seem like a familiar rite of passage. Macopin Middle School students, however, played out a more original and altruistic version of rocking on the weekend. In the middle school gym among the general joy of seventh and eight graders having fun there was music, dancing, games, food and an abundance of rocking chairs. The inclusion of a cozy chair with maybe a “blankie” thrown in for extra comfort is what made this event unique. Art Joecks, teacher and student council advisor, took the initiative to start a movement within the school where students could take pride in what he calls, “West Milford giving back to West Milford.” “I stole the idea from Penn State and Westchester Universities,” said Joecks, “They had dance-athons which I helped organize when I was at Westchester. I changed it a little to have kids get sponsored to sit in rocking chairs from 10 a.m. till 7 p.m.” Joecks intends this to be the first of many events for the school. “I hope to get the kids involved in their community,” said Joecks. All proceeds from the event, a hoped for $1200, will go to the West Milford Animal Shelter. DJ Ron Dygos, who provided five hours free music, had the chairs wheeling back and forth to a pulsating beat before a test of knowledge in the form of, “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Schooler?” took place. The real contest was deciding what was tougher n dancing while rooted to your rocking chair or knowing the name of Macopin Middle School’s former mascot? Joecks said, “What we really hope to achieve is to help somebody out the best we can. We hope to make it better.” Macopin teachers and the school’s PTA were very supportive and several local deli’s and pizza places provided food, including A Cut Above, It’s All Good Deli and Macopin Pizza. Glory Bracken of the animal shelter said, “It’s just excellent that they’ve chosen to help the animal shelter. I’m so grateful.” The many cats, dogs and various other creatures at the shelter will no doubt feel the benefit of the dedication of the students as the shelter continues its program of re-development at their home on Lycosky Drive. Bracken said, “The parents should be proud of their children for being so mature and motivated.”