The Woodland Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is preparing to host its annual Walk-A-Thon across three local campuses this fall. Students at North Fork Elementary, Columbia Elementary and Woodland Middle School will take to the tracks to raise funds directly for their schools.
The tradition is one of the PTSA’s most anticipated events, blending fitness, school spirit and fundraising. Each student secures flat pledges from family, friends and neighbors, then walks or runs laps on event day while music plays and snacks and prizes are offered.
“All the money raised goes directly back to that kid's school,” said Woodland PTSA president Jennifer Allik.
She explained that the funds are divided into three areas: teacher grants for classroom needs, building improvements and grade-specific events such as field trips or special programs.
“We turn music on, we have snacks, we have prizes, and it's friendly competition for the kids to get out on their track and walk or run and see how many laps they can get in,” Allik said.
Woodland PTSA has helped deliver major improvements at the schools. Columbia Elementary now has a paved walking track thanks to community support and fundraising efforts, and both North Fork and Woodland Middle School recently received new projector systems to replace outdated equipment.
This year’s Walk-A-Thon schedule begins with North Fork Elementary on Sept. 25, followed by Columbia Elementary on Oct. 9, and Woodland Middle School on Oct. 22. Each event will run during the school day, with classes rotating through their walking times.
The PTSA raised $23,000 across the three schools last year and hopes to meet or exceed that number again.
Organizers are also calling on the community to support the effort through donations and supplies. Items especially needed include small disposable water cups, juice boxes, individually wrapped snacks, chips, stickers and other small prizes, or financial donations to purchase these supplies.
Allik also emphasized the need for volunteers to help cheer on students, hand out snacks and assist with organization during the event.
“Parents, grandparents, community members, business owners, anybody that has an interest in the schools and kids … whether it's volunteering at events, whether it's helping at meetings, or maybe there's somebody with a talent where they could help us kind of more behind the scenes, but we're really trying to grow and to expand our membership and our possibilities,” Allik said.
She said her greatest hope is that students walk away with more than just fundraising experience.
“I hope that they gain a sense of being part of the community, meaning Woodland community, as well as their individual school community, and feel like they are making a difference for their school, and for the other friends and students around them, and for the teachers,” Allik said.
Community members interested in donating or volunteering can contact woodlandptsa@gmail.com. Readers can visit facebook.com/woodland.ptsa for future updates.
