2009 Walk-a-thon: Another SHOES Success
by Mary Sutfin
All District 46 students and teachers participated in the schools’ 3rd Annual Walk-a-thon on Wednesday, April 22nd, which took place for the first time on our new paved walking path. Students enjoyed multiple opportunities to get out in the beautiful spring weather, walk laps with friends and join together in support of ongoing health through exercise.
The Walk-a-thon is sponsored annually by the PTO’s SHOES (Staying Healthy with Ongoing Exercise Safely) program, which has encouraged all District 46 Students and their families to get out and walk. Since 2006, SHOES has offered numerous resources to support and encourage participants’ year-long walking progress including an on-line tracking system, collective mileage goals, small rewards for individual milestones and last fall’s Health and Wellness Fair. As in years past, each student received a commemorative t-shirt, thanks to the generous sponsors who made these possible: Heidi Jessup Realty (www.heidijessup.com), Mac’s Auto – Full Auto Repair Service of Crystal Lake (815-356-7010), our wonderful Parent/Teacher Organization, and Affordable Embroidery and Monogramming of Crystal Lake (815-477-7974). The students shared the day’s sense of appreciation, health and community spirit as classes took overlapping turns to keep the path populated with walking feet and a sea of matching t-shirts.
For the past two years, walkers have collected pledges and donations for the number of laps they completed in the Walk-a-thon. Each year half of the money raised was donated to the American Heart Association and half went toward saving for a long-term vision, the paved walking path. Through the incredible generosity and efforts of the Todd family and several in-kind contributors, the paved path became a reality in time for the start of 2008-2009 school year. The walking path is an important addition to our playground because it provides a safe, all-weather surface where students can choose to spend their recess time getting true cardiovascular exercise.
“The SHOES walking program is a wonderful example of staff, PTO, parents and community members working together tirelessly to build the District Walking Path and keep student and staff interest health and wellness at the highest level,” said Dr. Mary Fasbender, District Superintendent. The path is also available for families and community members to use during non-school hours. For the amazing full story on the funding, building and dedication of the Marion R. Todd memorial walking path, Click here.
This year the SHOES team, led by Mrs. Vitek, Margaret Ponga, Jennifer Kryger and Mr. Krabbe, decided not to ask for pledges, but to welcome voluntary donations from the participants’ families. Donations will continue to be accepted now that the event has taken place. The 2009 walk-a-thon has raised $805.00 so far, and all funds will be used to maintain the beauty and safety of the walking path.
“The SHOES program and the walking path have been a great asset to the school and for the children,” said PTO President Joan Kriete. “It is such a joy to drive by at lunch or recess and see the children walking, talking and smiling all while doing something good for their hearts and bodies. I know the staff also enjoys using the path for lunch time walks. I hope to see the SHOES program and walking continue for future generations, and the PTO is proud to be a part of this wonderful program.’
For more information on supporting the SHOES program, contact Margaret Ponga at 815-477-3877 or Jennifer Kryger at 815-356-9547.
