BELLINGHAM — Silver Beach Elementary students took to the field on April 27 and 28 to raise money for their school in response to this year’s budget cuts.
The annual Silver Beach Elementary Jog-a-thon, a tradition at the school for over 10 years, took place at the school’s soccer and baseball recreation area. Kindergarten, first and second graders participated on April 27 while third, fourth and fifth graders participated on April 28.
Jogging with purpose
According to the Silver Beach Education Association Jog-a-thon committee chair, Alice-Marie Carr, the event is the school’s largest fundraiser. “The kids get about 20 laps by walking or running,” said Carr. “They go out and then come back after the run to collect money.” Students collected monetary donations from sponsors, who pledged a donation at a flat rate or per-lap.
The students ran in half-hour increments throughout the two days with each grade level jogging together at a particular time. “We had a great turnout even though it rained,” said Carr. “There were great spirits, lots of parents and fun music.
“It’s a big tradition for parents to come, too, so it’s really neat to see how many parents take off work to come support their child. Students receive a Popsicle when they’re done and a certificate. It’s a really fun way for people to come together, get fit and raise money for the school.”
Teachers and staff members also participated in the event and showed their support for the joggers. “From a health perspective, I think it’s awesome that they’re using any kind of physical activity, whether it’s to raise money or not,” said Jan Facciano, the Silver Beach Elementary nurse. “I encourage it and support it 100 percent. I think that we see the results of it just in terms of how excited the kids are and that they all participate. I think it’s great.”
Keeping school programs alive
Students will continue to collect their pledge money and return it to Silver Beach Elementary through May 7. The proceeds from the event will go directly towards school projects, which include art-enrichment materials, field trips, science fairs, books and technology updates for the library and daily snacks for the upcoming Measurement of Student Progress state test, which takes place May 5-19.
“With budget cuts, it’s pretty much going to supplement everything,” said Carr.
In addition to cutbacks in the school budget, Silver Beach Elementary found out that Haggen was discontinuing their Haggen Bucks program, which provided the school approximately $2,000 each year. As a result, Silver Beach Elementary has needed to rely on fundraisers and community support.
Much of that foundation comes from the Silver Beach Education Association, a parent group that sponsors special activities in order to enrich the school environment. The association is made up of committees that work to supply money through fundraisers like the Jog-a-thon.
Past projects that have been funded by the Silver Beach Education Association include a laser show assembly that students voted to see, a science exhibition put on by a representative from the Pacific Science Center, and improvements to the soccer field.
“We have wonderful parent group here at Silver Beach who organizes all the fundraisers and does a great job,” said Silver Beach secretary Cathy Riber. “I really appreciate all the work they do to help enhance their children’s educational experience.”
As the work of the Jog-a-thon come to a close, the efforts of the Silver Beach Education Association carry forward. The association’s sponsorship for school activities will continue through the remainder of the school year, which ends on June 17, before beginning to plan for fall 2010.
