Making Memories
5th and 6th Grade Track and Field Full of Fun
by Amanda Sliva
May 08, 2009
It seems like yesterday that the seniors were having their track and field days. At lunch, they reminisced about the good old days and the fun competition that everyone enjoyed. They could remember dominating the shoe kick and the infamous sack race. The track and field days were also a sign that the year was coming to a close and that soon it would be summer.
This past Tuesday, the 5th and 6th graders enjoyed making memories at track and field. Mr. Thompson said, “It was a great day full of non-stop activities. The kids behaved themselves quite well and were well organized and ready to participate when needed.”
These past few years the track and field days have changed a little bit since the seniors were in elementary school. Every student now chooses a four-person team, with at least one girl or boy, for every event the student in which wants to participate. Then, combined total of the team scores are added up for a grand total. The students realize that this gives the “non-athletes” opportunities to try something new and not be timid.
Some students have mixed feelings about working with teams. They believe they could compete for more ribbons if they were by themselves. Yet, it is important to instill the value of teamwork and working with other students, not just your friends, especially since next year many of the 6th graders will be joining a sporting team for the first time in middle school and will have to learn that they have to endure the ups and downs together when on a team.
Mr. Thompson was impressed with their integrity even if their team did not win the race, “They all competed to the best of their abilities and gave 100% in effort.”
For the most part, the teams are just competing against their classrooms but there were two overall classrooms winners. This year it was Mr. Thimm’s 6th grade class and Mrs. Lewin’s 5th grade class.
The seniors remember one of the most exciting things about track and field to be getting rewarded for their efforts with a bag of candy. However, this year the school decided that handing out bags of candy is not healthy for the students. This was a bummer to some students who had to go home empty handed without candy or a ribbon.
Yet, the day is not all about competing and getting something for winning. The day is all about making memories and getting exposed to fun track and field activities. Mr. Thompson was thankful to everyone that helped with the day and attended to make this day extra special for all the students involved.
