Clark Middle School students headed outside last week to walk, run and spend time with classmates during the school’s second annual Active for Activities event.
Together, they also raised $1,853.88 to support future student activities.
The money raised will help pay for student rewards and activities during the school year.
Each grade level spent 30 minutes outside with teachers and classmates.
Students walked or ran on the track, along the front drive or in the back bus area, wearing new Clark Middle School shirts provided through the support of CAB, the school’s parent group, and local businesses.
Principal Tricia Hall said the time together is at the heart of the event.
“We are just looking for an opportunity for our kids to get out, walk, talk to each other, cheer each other on, form those connections, those friendships, and also be with their teachers,” Hall said.
“It’s really just an opportunity to get outside the classroom and experience something different together.”
Throughout the week, students contributed to Clark’s student activities account, which helps support field trips, student rewards and other opportunities.
Grade levels took part in a friendly fundraising competition.
Sixth grade raised $997.63, eighth grade raised $715.14 and seventh grade raised $141.11.
Sixth grade earned a free period for raising the most. Students spent the time playing in the gym or choosing board games in the cafeteria.
Hall said the reward gave them another chance to spend time together and get to know one another.
CAB made another part of the event possible. Its members worked with local businesses to raise more than $5,000 to purchase a new shirt for every Clark student.
The businesses that contributed are listed on the backs of the shirts.
“The t-shirt is a very important piece for me,” Hall said.
“I really love that we can give each one of our kids an Alice t-shirt that’s brand new and it’s theirs and it’s something they can keep and wear with pride.”
Clark also ordered extra shirts so students who enroll later this year can receive one on their first day.
Staff members received shirts, too.
“It brings us all together,” Hall said.
Hall said Clark plans to continue Active for Activities next year.
Community members who would like to support the student activities account can contact the Clark Middle School office.
Checks can be made payable to Clark Middle School.