Carrying on an eight-year Cleveland Public School tradition, elementary students laced up their sneakers on Thursday and, for an hour around the streets near the school, challenged themselves to walk as many laps as they could during the annual Walkathon.
Surpassing its goal, the event raised over $12,000, all of which will be used to directly support elementary students, including purchasing outdoor play equipment, hosting student assemblies, holding book fairs, purchasing elementary technology, supporting field trips and more.
Since its beginnings as an Elementary PTO sponsored event, district assessment coordinator Alissa Gibbs has been the heart behind the Walkathon. Her passion is creating fun opportunities to raise funds for students while keeping them active and connected.
Now, after the PTO dissolved, the school took over the Walkathon. This switch changed how the funds are used. It also led to a shift in focus from individual prizes to incentive levels, shared goals for the entire elementary student body.
“With the transition of our funds from the PTO to the school, there are some limitations on how the money can be spent,” Gibbs explained. “This switch allows us to continue celebrating our students’ hard work while making sure the funds are used in a way that benefits everyone. Reaching each milestone means every single student enjoys the reward, showing the young Clippers what they can accomplish when they work together.”
Surpassing the $12,000 target meant the school unlocked its ultimate incentive goal—one that had students buzzing—an inflatable teacher race on Friday. Wearing inflatable costumes, the teachers raced around the new gym.
“I know the staff was very excited about surpassing the goal because we really wanted to be able to hold the inflatable teacher race.” Gibbs shared. “We knew the kids would think that was so fun.”
While the whimsical contest capped off the Walkathon, the impact of the funds the students raised will be felt every single day at recess. With so many students filling the playground daily, keeping a wide variety of equipment on hand is a top priority, Gibbs said. Recess gear naturally wears out over the school year, and these Walkathon dollars ensure the school can restock the ball carts mid-year, so students always have fun items to play with.
Designing a walkathon route for students ranging from preschoolers to 6th graders takes careful planning, especially with local construction underway. To keep every participant safe and energized, Gibbs designed a flexible system. Older students (3rd–6th grade) were given the freedom to run or walk at their own pace, while younger classes stayed together with their teachers.
For extra safety and comfort, volunteer crossing guards lined the streets, and shortcut options were added alongside streets for tired little legs.
“We always start with the older students, so they have free rein before bringing the younger ones out,” Gibbs shared. “It’s all about creating a path where every age level feels comfortable and guided every step of the way.”
Beyond the fitness and fundraising, Gibbs highlighted how special it was to see different grade levels sharing the track together.
“The best part about having all these grade levels participate is that they can be with siblings cousins and friends from the bus. They can walk with anyone! It’s so fun to see older kids encouraging the younger ones and seeing everyone together.”
High schoolers Garrett Heldberg, Sam Ternes, Garet Peterson, Charlie Perkins and Tanner Simonette warm up…
…the fifth and sixth graders before they started their laps.
For some, the event was a runathon.
A sixth grader runs by a crossing guard
Running sixth graders
Sixth grade girls get in a little socializing during their walk.
Fifth and sixth graders
Upperclassmen walk with fifth and sixth graders.
Fifth and fourth grade