Students from local elementary schools raised money for their schools in October by participating in their annual Walk-a-Thons. Becker Primary School, Becker Intermediate School and Clearview Elementary School each hosted the fundraiser, which is held not only to raise money but to also promote healthy, active lifestyles.

Becker Schools were first up with their walk-a-thons, holding theirs early in the month. This is their third year participating in the fundraiser, which has held during the regular school day.

The Primary School, with students in grades K-2, raised money this year to combine with the money they raised last year in order to purchase more playground equipment. The money raised during their first walk-a-thon was used to provide a handicap accessible ramp and glider to the playground equipment.

The students requested donations from people they knew, and ended up raising just over $4,800. 

The Intermediate School, with students in grades 3-5, raised money to use for a variety of things. The largest portion of the money goes to their online math and reading program, IXL. The remaining amount is used to keep the price of field trips down for students and to buy supplies for students in need.

“It’s a great fundraiser because the money goes directly to the school,” said Matt O’Neill. “Unlike other fundraisers that sell products which you only receive a percentage of the profit.”

During the event each grade level came out to the track for an hour. They walked the track during the first half hour, then during the second half Mr. Miller taught them a fun new dance.

Clearview Elementary held their walk-a-thon later in the month; it was their seventh year participating. The event is the PTA’s major fundraiser each year.

Throughout the day each grade, from preschool through fifth, took turns participating in the event. Instead of just walking, a variety of healthy activities were set up outside for the students to take part in, such as hula hoops, jump ropes, balance bars and hurdles.

Phy Ed teacher George Bienusa led the students through the activities. Parents were encouraged to attend and walk with their children. 

To add to the excitement and help keep students motivated, they were told if they met their goal of $20,000 their specialist teachers, the school counselor and the principal, Sheri Rutar, would all get pies thrown in their faces. The students ended up raising $25,378!

“The students are very excited about pie in the face day,” said Principle Rutar. “They’ve been asking me about it all week on their way to the buses at the end of the day.”

All the money raised from the walk-a-thon goes back to Clearview students for educational purposes including field trips, classroom needs, family fun nights, assemblies and other enrichment opportunities used to supplement the curriculum.

Students in all three schools participated in the walk-a-thons whether or not they received donations.

All the schools extended a thank you to the surrounding communities, volunteers and to their students and students’ families for their continued support.