Garfield Track Stars

325 Plymouth St NW, Olympia WA 98502 569-6900

What is it? An exercise programfor Garfield Elementary students to keep active and be healthy whileearningrewards by walking or running around the school track towards goals. Participants earn certificates and running charms…and of course the status of Marathoner.

Why?

  • Less time engaged in physical activity during school
  • Obesity has increased from 4.0% to 17.0% in the past twenty years for kids aged 6-11.
  • Schools provide an ideal setting for teaching children and teens to adopt healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.

Why Garfield Elementary?

  • Student population is one of the neediest in Olympia School District.
  • Approximately 54% of the students qualify for the free/reduced lunch program (up 7% in last 2 years). One of five Title One Elementary schools in Olympia.
  • 21% of their population is Special Education.
  • English as a second language is 8% of the students.
  • Families already at risk, stressed and low volunteer ratios

When? 30 minutes~Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: running club is always during first recess (10:35-10:50 am). Volunteer time commitment is 10:30-11am.

How? Become a volunteer, provide encouragement & supervision to help these kids reach new heights of fitness as they become Garfield Track Stars.

Results-

  • 56% of the student body set personal goals for themselves
  • 29% of the students want to run a Marathon or more this year
  • 93% of the student body participated in the run the first day, 50+% average so far
  • 4% of the students already accomplished first milestone of 3 miles in the first full week of the program (3 days, approximately 45 minutes)
  • October volunteers consist of: 50% parents, 28% community, 22% students & teachers


Garfield Track Stars
Volunteer Job Descriptions for Each Day
1st Recess - 30 minutes (10:30 – 11am)

CHEERLEADER (3 positions):

  • Encourage, cheer
  • Monitor Corners
  • Safety

LAP TRACKER (2 positions):

  • Check off laps as completed on the Lap Card
  • Collect Completed Lap Cards
  • Issue new Lap Cards (write grade, teacher, first name & last initial)
  • Turn in Completed Lap Cards to Run Coordinator
  • Place Running Chute (orange cones)

Garfield Track Stars
Sponsor Opportunities

  • Program was paid by PTA for 2009-2010
  • Program Materials (Certificates, necklace chains, charms) estimated cost ~ $400 annually
  • Other awards or incentives are possible sponsor opportunities
  • Other program needs (volunteer identifier vests, added charms)