Wass Wolfpack Runs for Fun, Fitness

Wass Wolfpack Runs for Fun, Fitness and Friendship

It was a glorious day for a run....as all 400+ students at Wass Elementary tackled the one-mile course (designed by Eastside Racing Company and timed by Hanson’s Running Shop) by class and grade, and with proud parents and friends looking on. In its 7th year, the Wass Run ties together physical education (the kids have been training for weeks!), kindness (the classes cheer for each other from an area called "the kindness corner”) and perseverance (they try for their personal best, beating their last year's times).

Before beginning training for the “Run,” each student meets individually with PE teacher Mark Cavataio: “We look at their times from last year, and together we set a personal goal for this year. One of our character traits at Wass is Perseverance. To do your best even when you are faced with a challenge or obstacle.” 5th grader Leah Grijalva agreed, “I have been doing the Run every year I’ve been here (at Wass). On Run day, I’m always a little nervous about beating my score, but it is about being your ‘personal best.’” Classmate Tyra Chu chimed in “It is rewarding to see your progress. And at a 5th grader, I especially like cheering on all the younger kids, making it a great day for everyone.”

Wass Principal Matt Jansen enjoys this event every year and says he can really sense the kids’ excitement and feelings of pride. “Our annual Run brings cohesion to the community—the kids literally ‘run in a pack,’ and feel they are doing something important.” Of course, the event would not be possible without the Pack Parents of the Wass PTO. “A lot goes into the planning, from establishing the course to providing water, and bananas snacks for every kid. And the ribbons! So many ribbons!” said former PTO President and Run parent coordinator Ayessa Potts. The students also raise money for their school through donations and pledges, which is used for field trips, school materials, resources, teacher grants, books for classroom libraries, school assemblies, and much more. “The kids raised over $24,000 for the PTO this year, which itself is a ‘personal best!’” said Jansen.

As the day came to a close, after the race times were calculated and the ribbons were distributed, everyone was tired—but happy with a job well done. “The love and pride is seen in every single person in this building. To hear the students scream and clap, and encourage their classmates has made many parents tear up, including me,” concluded Potts. “We can’t wait ‘til next year!”

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2nd grade superstars: Mrs. Kellett poses with her enthusiastic class

5th graders: 5th grade students Srinidhi Nagadi, Leah Grijalva, Tyra Chu, and Ashwika Bairaboena show off their bibs & medals

BFFs: 2nd grade besties Laura Witherspoon and Provati Khan smile for the camera.

Blue Ribbons: blue ribbons

Checking Scores

Cheering Section

Line Dancing on the blacktop

Mr. Jansen’s Cheering Section

PTO Moms: Mom Christina Rupkey, 5th grader Jillian Deaton, 4th grader Corbin Kieda, 4th grader Ava Zaccardelli, and Mom Melissa Destross

Ribbon Ceremoy2: group shot

Take your marks: 2nd graders start their run