Fair Oaks Elementary School students recently laced up their shoes to raise money to improve their playground and add a sound garden. Thanks to generous donors, who pledged funds for each lap, Fair Oaks students raised nearly $9,000 and will return in August to a new, improved playground for kindergarten through second-grade students.

“This fundraiser was a must-see and do! Students were excited from the very beginning when we held a pep rally to kickstart the pledging and fun. I am pleased that we partnered with the non-profit, Activate, to introduce Fair Oaks to an event, which raises funds for students, builds community, and is fitness-based,” said Fair Oaks Principal Cathie Seibert. 

Music blared through speakers while students ran laps around tiny orange cones, and a DJ motivated the students with instructions to run like a robot or skip to the beat. Parents cheered from the crowd. The students also had a few more fans rooting for them as they circled the track. Thirty juniors and seniors from the Walker School in Marietta cheered on the students. 

“What proved to be a successful event would not have been possible without the support of our parents, Partners in Education, teachers, students, and our entire school community. I am grateful to everyone who helped make the Fun Run at Fair Oaks an enjoyable accomplishment we can all appreciate,” praised Principal Seibert.

The Walker School’s partnership with Fair Oaks began thanks to one of their senior students, Amy Morales. Amy, who also happens to be a former Fair Oaks student, shared with her Walker school teachers and peers the special place she has in her heart for her elementary school and community. She also wanted her Walker School family to know about one special teacher at Fair Oaks, Elizabeth Dunlap--a former Cobb County Teacher of the Year and a Walker School graduate. 

The Walker School visits Fair Oaks almost every month to bring supplies for the school’s food and clothing pantries. Most importantly, juniors and seniors come to work with Fair Oaks students, helping them with reading and math.