Walk-a-Thon & Raffle Info for New Families

How does the Walk-a-Thon & Raffle raise money?

• Pledges – Pledge donations are the most important source of Walk-a-Thon funds. A pledge is a promise of financial support for your student’s walking efforts, either as a flat amount or on a per-lap basis

• Raffle proceeds – Bid on fun experiences and great items

• Ticket sales – For buying fun foods and shout-outs at the event

• T-shirt sponsors – Thank you to the local businesses that support our students

What is the fundraising goal? What is the money used for?

We are aiming to raise at least $18,000 overall, with $15,000 coming from pledges. Our goal is for each student to raise $100 or more! Funds are used to enable all PTA programs, such as:

• Teacher funds to support teaching materials and student supplies

• Field trips, assemblies, and special in class programs

• School wide events such as Trunk or Treat, Family Board Game Night, Lunar New Year, & the Friendship Dance

• Library funds for school and classroom libraries

• Technology material support such as teaching software

• SPARK art lessons, summer playdates, yearbook, 5th Grade Promotion Celebration, parent education, and more!

What happens at school that day?

• The students’ school day will start and end at their usual times 8:15am. 

• At 9:00, classes will gather on the blacktop in their Friday Flag positions for a kickoff rally. Then class by class, students will be released to the course to start walking! 

• Fun foods for purchase with tickets and prizes will be available throughout the event. 

• TK and Kinder will have dedicated rest areas and rest times. They will also exit the course earlier than older grades.

How long is the course? How many laps can I expect my student to walk?

• The course is around .22 miles long. 

• After the first lap which is completed as a class, students are able to leave and return to the course as they wish. 

• Keep your ears open for the bonus song announced at the opening ceremony. All laps completed during the bonus song will receive double marks!

• The median number of laps completed by grade last year was: TK – 15, Kinder – 26, 1st – 31, 2nd – 32, 3rd – 39, 4th – 38, 5th – 37. 

Are family members able to attend?

Yes! Parents, siblings, and family members are invited to attend and come on campus as visitors from 3:00-5:00pm to join in the walking, cheer on their students, and volunteer. We need 50 volunteers to pull off this event! Volunteers arriving before dismissal must sign in at the front office with a vaild CA id. 

I can’t attend that morning. Are there other ways to help?

There are many ways to support your student and our school:

• Some volunteer shifts take place earlier in the week, not just the day-of.

• There are some volunteer roles that can be done entirely from home, such as data entry. Email theuerkaufpta@gmail.com to learn more.

• We also need donations of chips, juice, soft drinks, gatorade, sparkling water, and baked goods to help power kids through their walking. Sign up to bring something here.

• Help your child raise pledge donations.

When do students receive their shirts?

Walk-a-Thon t-shirts will be distributed by teachers to their classes on Friday morning before the kickoff rally. Students can wear it over their shirt or change in the bathroom.