Running, walking, skipping, cheering. Village Elementary students participated in the annual PTO-organized Jog-a-Thon on Wednesday, February 7. The kindergartners had held their event on January 31. During the events, the students run laps around the track while music plays, teachers and parents cheer, and volunteers spray mists of water over their heads (most of the kids think getting sprayed is a big part of the fun). Each time they pass their class’ spot on the track they get a tally mark on the back of their shirt, which encourages them to keep at it for the 30 minutes of fun.
Some parents run with their kids. One mom who had participated, when asked if she had fun said, “Yeah. That was awesome! It was fun.” 
Two grandmothers watching the festivities also enjoyed the day, and one pointed out, “I am cheering for all the kids.”
Prior to the events, donations were solicited from families, friends and neighbors. So far the Jog-a-Thon has raised around $33,000 for the PTO, with more donations still coming in. With the money raise, the PTO will be able to fund programs like Meet the Masters art education, Science Days and Teacher Appreciation Day, as well as pay for school supplies, new P.E. equipment and science supplies.
