End Of School Year Brings Field Day Fun

By Larissa Lytwyn

A telltale sign of the end of the academic year is not just warm weather, proms, and impending graduations, but field day!

Taking a well-deserved break from the classroom, students spend a few hours engaging in challenging recreational activities, from the classic tug-of-war to inventive relay races and other games.

Hawley Elementary School celebrated its Field Day during 2004’s hottest day so far: June 9.

A large tent pitched in the center of the field provided relief from the intense sun for the participating students, divided into two time blocs, the first for first and second graders, the second for third and fourth graders.

While Hawley gym teachers Tony Sortino and Doug Michovitz designed the games, approximately 50 parent volunteers recruited by Hawley PTA’s Field Day Committee Chairman Peggy McIntyre managed the activities.

“Every year, we have the classic games, like tug-of-war, and some new ones, too,” said Mr Michovitz. “This year, we have the Hoppity Hop relay race, using our Hoppity Hop balls.”

While the unique, oversized bouncing balls were originally intended for last year’s Field Day, the event was rained out.

“It’s been great to have them this year,” Mr Michovitz said.

Other games included one in which students had to pick up marbles from a kiddie pool using their feet, a penny toss into overturned Frisbees, hula-hoop and sponge relays, and hug-a-ball races, in which students attempted to race each other with large rubber balls sandwiched between their legs.

There was also a horseshoe ring toss.

Students rotated to each game every eight minutes.

Mr Michovitz and Mr Sortino introduced students to the games before Field Day, familiarizing them with each activity’s rules and regulations.

“This is the first time I’ve chaired the event,” said Ms McIntyre, whose sons are finishing up their years in kindergarten, first, and third grade. “It went more smoothly than I anticipated! The weather cooperated and we got a lot of volunteers.”

She said she would be happy to chair the event again next year.

What was students’ opinion of the day?

“It’s been a lot of fun!” declared fourth grader Sarah Read. “I liked the Hoppity Hop race a lot!”

Her peers, Michelle Laboudy, Gabbi Amlicke, and Nathan Norwich agreed that they liked tug-of-war best, however.

“Tug-of-war is a really exciting game,” declared Gabbi. “I love it!”

Fun was also abounding later in the week at Middle Gate and Head O’ Meadow Elementary School.

While June 11 was not as warm as June 9, the air was crisp, the sky was clear, and the sunshine was abundant.

Like Hawley, Middle Gate divided its students into groups by grade level. While the third and fourth graders enjoyed their last assembly of the year, the modern dance group The Corner Store, the first and second grade peers frolicked outside.

The groups then switched places for the second half of the morning; the younger students took their turn enjoying The Corner Store while the older ones hit the blacktop.

“Field Day is a great day of exercise, fun, and good-natured competition,” noted Middle Gate parent volunteer Robbin Morshuk.

Gym teacher Pam Cooper organized the various games, including several relays and an activity involving students’ picking up marbles from a kiddie pool with their toes.

Close to 50 parents volunteered their time to help out with the event, said Ms Morshuk.

“There is a great team effort with these games,” she observed as she watched the first and second graders compete. “Everyone tries to help each other. It’s a great age group.”

One activity station invited students to blow bubbles they created themselves using a generous flux of water and laundry suds.

“I’ve had a lot of fun today!” declared second grader Valentina Pena. “My favorite game was picking up the marbles with my feet! I had a great time doing that!”

Fellow second grader Emily DeGirolamo agreed that she liked the marble game, too.

“I like the bubbles, too,” she said.

At Head O’ Meadow Elementary School, staff, students and once again, a trusty legion of approximately 50 parent volunteers, celebrated School Spirit Day.

The event was schoolwide, dividing students into colors across grades.

“For example, you’ll have one green second grade team and one green third grade team,” explained parent volunteer Debbie Vallerie. “What matters is the color, not the grade.”

PTA School Spirit Day Committee Chairs Jill LeBlanc and Sue Roberts organized the event.

Ms Vallerie said it was her second consecutive year supporting the event on behalf of her children, second grader David and first grader Eva.

“Last year, I managed the sponge relay,” she said. “This year, I think I had the best post yet — the water balloon toss!”

She laughed as she remembered the fun students had participating in the activity.

“It was definitely a good time,” she said.

There were a total of ten games organized for the event, including a sack race, scooter run, obstacle course, and that old familiar classic, tug-of-war.

“It’s a great event for all students to participate and support each other,” noted Coach Drager, Head O’ Meadow’s physical education teacher.

Perhaps emulating this spirit of camaraderie was the School Spirit Day banner the school’s entire student population took part in signing. In between the huge black letters spelling “School Spirit Day” was a whirl of happy faces, rainbows, animal sketches, and signatures.

“I think everyone had a great time,” Ms Vallerie said.