Port Chester's JFK Elementary Gets Set For Walk-A-Thon

Port Chester's is getting set for its 5th annual Walk-a-Thon on Saturday, April 21 on the school playing field.

About 500 students, parents and teachers have pre-registered to walk that morning in what has become a major annual event for the school.  Sign-in begins at 9 a.m. with an anticipated start time of 10 a.m. 

“This event seems to get bigger every year, with more participants and more donations to the Teachers Fund,” says Debbie Carroll, PTA vice president and Walk-a-Thon chairperson.  “Our PTA gives monetary prizes to the three students who raise the most money in pledges, as well as a pizza party for the class that raises the most money in pledges and an ice-cream party for the class with the most participation in walking.”

All walkers do 10 laps around the school yard. There will be a DJ and music and the JFK PTA will be selling food. AmeriCorps volunteers from the will be there with various activities for the children, including a bean bag toss, an Earth Day activity and much more.  The 5th grade Student Council members will join parents, teachers and other students as volunteers helping out throughout the day.

“The PTA established a Teachers’ Fund five years ago which is used by grade-level and specials teachers to help offset the cost of field trips, classroom supplies and other needs,” says Lou Cuglietto, JFK Principal.  “Each teacher decides how to use the money to provide educational opportunities for our children.  Last year about $7,500 was raised. We all greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of our parents in supporting our school.”