The Annual Turkey Trot: Running for Technology

In today’s education, technology is crucial to a part of a student’s learning experience. As technology advances, there are new ways to infuse this into the classroom.

But it can be expensive.

This year, the Westborough Turkey Trot - an annual community-wide event - will raise funds for technology initiatives at the Westborough Public Schools.

The event is the first of its kind collaborative effort that has support from all of the parent groups at the schools, as well as the SEPAC, WEF, Westborough High School Boosters and the Westborough Fine Arts Education Association.

The 5K Walk/Run, held on Saturday, Nov. 21, is a loop course starting and ending at Westborough High School. The race is geared towards families and friends. There will be water stations and cheering sections along the route and fun activities at the High School during and after the race.

More than 600 ran, walked or trotted in last year’s race to benefit Westborough schools.

“This phenomenal turnout paired with our generous sponsors who lend their name and financial support to the race allowed us to raise $30,000 for technology initiatives,” said Sara Dullea, one of the event organizers. “Specifically, the funds were used to purchase at least 60 mobile devices; each K-3 school (Armstrong, Fales and Hastings) received 10 iPads, Mill Pond received 30 Chromebooks and an additional $5,000 will be spent on technology upgrades for the foreign language lab at the high school. This enhancement to our technology budget helps speed the process towards updating our schools and providing our students with a more robust learning experience.”

The 5K starts at 9 a.m. and the Kids’ Run at 10 a.m., both looping to and from Westborough High School.

After the race, while parents and adult runners cool down, Athletic Revolution sponsors a Kids’ Run on the high school’s track. There are races for kids from 3 years to 11 years, broken down into heats by age groups.

TD Bank, Westborough Civic Club, Roche Bros., BJs Wholesale Club, Athletic Revolution and Tufts University Veterinary is sponsoring the event; organizers say they are still seeking more sponsors.

Sign up and find out more here.

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Dear Community Member,

Planning has begun for the Westborough Turkey Trot! The 2015 race will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 in Westborough, MA. You are invited to be a part of this community-wide event promoting heath, fitness and fun. All funds raised from this event will benefit district wide technology initiatives for the Westborough Public Schools.

Last November over 600 participants ran, walked and trotted for our schools. This phenomenal turnout paired with our generous sponsors who lend their name and financial support to the race allowed us to raise $30,000 for technology initiatives. Specifically the funds were used to purchase at least 60 mobile devices; each K-3 school (Armstrong, Fales and Hastings) received 10 iPads, Mill Pond received 30 Chromebooks and an additional $5,000 will be spent on technology upgrades for the foreign language lab at the high school. This enhancement to our technology budget helps speed the process towards updating our schools and providing our students with a more robust learning experience.

We encourage you to join the Westborough Public Schools Turkey Trot Team in our mission by participating as a runner, a sponsor and/or donor. Depending on the sponsorship level you choose, your organization will benefit from extended exposure through media campaigns, promotional efforts, press releases and other printed materials. You will also be listed on the Turkey Trot website at www.westboroughturkeytrot.org and receive recognition along the course on the day of the race. The majority of our fundraising comes from sponsorships.

We are committed to our goal of making this fun 5K road race and walk an annual success, and your financial help will make this a reality. As all funds benefit the Westborough Public Schools, your contribution is tax-deductible. Your donation is very much appreciated and necessary to achieve our goal. We hope we can count on your support. If you have any questions regarding sponsorship opportunities or in-kind donations, please contact us at turkeytrot@westboroughk12.org.

On behalf of The Turkey Trot Team and, most importantly, the students and teachers who will benefit from our event, thank you for your consideration.