Students move to make money

A program aimed at getting and keeping school children and their families healthy has found an alternative to selling candy or wrapping paper as a fundraiser.
Rutherford College Elementary School is one of four schools to sign up.
Students walked laps around the school's ball field and raised money through sponsors.
Health Education Supervisor and Health Promotion Coordinator with Burke County Health Department Lisa Moore, said, "As part of the School Based Wellness Initiative that started with Mull Elementary last school year, the program has expanded to four schools this year, and we are adding a new venture with our project. We have been encouraging these participating schools to offer healthier fundraisers."
Rain didn't hinder the spirits of the Rutherford College Roadrunners as they hit the field Oct. 23. Students, staff and parents took to the wet grass willingly, though the papers they used to chart their progress were damp.
This fundraiser was more physical than most and those participating didn't have to sell anything or fork over their own money.
All the money raised will stay at Rutherford College Elementary for improvements needed at the school.
Principal of Rutherford College Becky Roach, said, "I have just heard so many good things from Ms. Moore and Mull Elementary."
Each classroom walked in a designated area for 45 minutes throughout the day, Moore said. The walking began at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 2:30 p.m.
This program teaches about health not only in the classroom, but on the field as well, she added.
"The funds are going to the school-based initiative for this school. Part of the funds will be used for establishing a walking track at the school and other family-night activities for the wellness program at Rutherford College," Moore said.
Each month as part of the wellness initiative a family night, including physical activities, is hosted at the school. The first family night kickoff was held in early September with nearly 150 students, parents and faculty members attending a dance.
Information for the fundraiser — Road Runners on the Run, walking to wellness — was sent home with students along with student envelopes to collect sponsorships. Most of the parents who participated welcomed the physicality of the fundraiser compared to selling candy, which often times is purchased by the seller, too.
Parent Donna Lail said she is involved with PTO, book fairs and always helps with fundraisers. Walking laps with her daughter Kaysie she said, "I came to walk with her. I think this is a very good fundraiser; much better than the candy sales."
Excited about a walking track at the school, Lail said, "That way we will have somewhere to come walk." She also enjoys the parent night activities. "It involves the parents in different activities to keep us going. It is a great program. We should have done it a long time ago," Lail said.
Monica White, mother of Addison, a first grader, said, "I like this better than selling candy and all the money goes to the school not the company. I think this is a great idea."
Moore said each individual student was given envelopes. "They raised their own donations and every grade level participated," she said.
Local businesses contributed as sponsors including the Town of Rutherford College, Discount Foods, Dr. James Cox, Dr. Greg Jones, Dr. Alan Jacks Dr. Robert Stevenson, Robinson Hosiery and College Discount Drug. Ean Batty provided music for the event.
Roach said, "We have had a good collaborative effort from the school, students, teachers and we have had great community support."
"Wellness is one of the keys to academic success. We want to continue to bring a well-blended learning community to our school through physical fitness. This is a celebration for us. We want to build a walking track," Roach said. She walked during the entire day completing 72 laps or 14 miles.
Every student will have assessments charted including weight, height and BMI along with the faculty undergoing assessments as well and initial results will be compared to final results collected next year.
The physical education teacher at Rutherford College, Mary Murray said, "I am real excited to have the school support and it is fun to see how excited the children are. In spite of the weather they have come out and done a great job."