While rainy weather caused delays, Monday’s surprisingly warm breezy day provided the perfect conditions for several Field Days around the district.
Atwood and Williams Elementary do a combined field day that is organized by Physical Education Teacher Scott Colby. MMS Phys Ed teacher Paul Begley and his fantastic crew of 8th graders also play a big role running the individual field day stations for the elementary students. The stations focus on teamwork and communication and range from simple relay races to the physically and mentally challenging Land Ski Race.
This is even harder than it looks.
A tradition for this particular field day is the Pot of Gold. Students bring in spare change and each class runs forward when they are called to add their donation to the pot. All proceeds go to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, as a way to help others in our community.
The staff member charged with the task of lugging the Pot of Gold back to the office after the event on Monday could barely lift it.
Monday also provided a great day for China Primary’s Field Day. The morning stations are run by the China Middle School students, and the afternoon stations are overseen by the 4th graders. The day traditionally ends with popsicles provided by Principal Pietz.
Belgrade Central School also had their Field Day on Monday, organized by Physical Education teacher Carrie Brennan. It was a full morning of games and activities including parachute games, face painting, Four Corners, and several relay races. Students then take part in a picnic style lunch on beach towels in the gym or outside. There are two particularly interesting traditions connected with the BCS field day; the annual book swap and the slide show put together by Mr. Hine that covers events from the entire school year. This year also featured a “pie in the face” raffle to raise money for the new school playground.
Ms. Bacon takes one for the team.
Tuesday’s weather wasn’t as cooperative for James H Bean’s field day. At one point students were caught in a short downpour, which only served to add to the fun. As with many of the other schools, the fifth graders help run the stations for the youngest students, giving them a chance to practice their leadership. CMS had favorable, and at times somewhat forceful, winds for their Student Council lead field day this morning.
The field day tradition in RSU 18 is more than a terrific way for our younger students to let off some steam and wind down the year. It fosters a sense of community, gives older students a chance to learn leadership, helps develop communication and cooperation, and creates great memories of the end of the year, rain or shine.