Wacky Tacky Walk-A-Thon

 

Fundraising is better when everyone works together to make a difference, and our goal is to raise money to support our February service project – Countryside Day of Service. 

 

What is Wacky Tacky Walk A Thon?
All Countryside students will participate in this outdoor walk-a-thon on Thursday 10/31 at their designated class time. The lower field of Countryside will be transformed into a walking track and students will have punch cards around their wrists so that they will receive a "punch" for each lap completed**. As you can imagine, some kiddos get very competitive, but truly this day is all about having FUN and raising money for our Countryside Day of Service event on 2/14/25. 
 
**Each lap is approximately 1/8 of a mile. Each participant will be issued a “lap tag” which will be punched each time the student completes a lap.
 
What should my student wear for Wacky Tacky?
Students are encouraged to dress-up and be "wacky" or "tacky" on Thursday. This can include crazy hair, mismatched clothing/shoes, costumes, etc. But please no face masks or props. 

Some Wacky Tacky Dress-up ideas are as follows:

  • T-shirt inside out
  • Rainbow Hair
  • Wear clothing backwards
  • Mismatched socks, etc.
  • Face paint (no masks)
  • No “props” please
  • Anything goes as long it is not a distraction to learning during the other
    parts of our day
  • Comfortable shoes – Remember, we are walking, jogging, or running!
  • Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle too! (Make sure its labeled!) 
 
How do the students raise money?
Students have the opportunity to raise money by asking for "flat rate" pledges for their walk. Pledge sheets and other details about the Walk-A-Thon were sent home with students Friday, Oct. 11th. Online and cash/check donations are accepted. It's not too late to register your student(s) with our online fundraising platform (which is free and easy to use): 
Can my student(s) still walk even if they don't raise money?
YES! Absolutely!! The Walk a Thon is a fun event for all Countryside students and staff - everyone participates. 
 
How is the money used by the PTO? This is the best part!
The money raised through Wacky Tacky is used for our annual Countryside Day of Service. On 2/14/25, our entire school community will participate in a school-wide meal packing event. Harvest Pack will transform the Countryside Multi Purpose Room into an oatmeal making factory! Harvest Pack will donate all meals to local organizations that provide nutritious meals to local kids. The more money we raise this week, the more meals we provide to our friends and neighbors. This is a high impact event that not only brings our entire school together with a common mission, but teaches our students about the important issue of food insecurity and meaningful ways they can make an impact. 
 
Last year, with the help of 600+ students and 100+ volunteers, Countryside was able to pack 42,600 meals with our $12,780 donation ($.30 per meal). Our students were ready to pack even more, which is why we've raised our goal to $15,000 this year.  But we need your help! We can only pack as many meals as we can fund.  Learn more about Day of Service and see some pictures from this fun event here! 
 
Can I watch and/or volunteer with the Walk A Thon?
Yes, absolutely! Spectators are encouraged! And are also welcome to dress up (but not required). Students will walk according to the schedule below. No need to check-in at the front office, just head to the lower field when you arrive at school. Hot tip: Park on Arbour lane for an easy in and out. Look for your classroom teacher's name on the sign and join the group. There will be hole punchers available to help punch walkers' cards. 
  • 8:00-8:25            SDL K & SDL 1
  • 8:25-9:05            2nd Grade, SDL 2 & CP 1/2
  • 9:15-9:55            1st Grade 
  • 10:05-10:35        Kindergarten
  • 10:55-11:40        3rd Grade 
  • 12:10-12:55        Grade 4/CP 3-4
  • 1:00-1:45            Grade 5/CP 5
 
Any questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions: pto.countryside@gmail.com  or rebucka21@gmail.com. Thank you for all your support with Wacky Tacky and Countryside Day of Service! 




Thank you for helping Countryside students develop an understanding of the importance of giving to others!