Active learners do better in the classroom. That’s one of several objectives of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools’ annual Are You Faster Than a 5th Grader event.
The two-mile race brings together 5th grade students, district administrators and staff, and community leaders and patrons for a morning of friendly competition and physical activity. This year’s race will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Kansas City Kansas Community College and will end at the Washington High School stadium.
As in past years, teams of 15 5th graders from all 30 of the district’s elementary schools will participate in the race. But the other 5th grade students will get in on the fun by taking part in a one-mile walk that will precede the race at 10 a.m.
The walk will begin at Eisenhower Middle School and will end at the Washington High School stadium. In all, approximately 1,300 5th graders will take part in the morning of physical fun. Among the community leaders taking part will be Mayor Mark Holland and his wife.
“This event has become a tradition that many students anticipate when they approach their 5th grade year,” said Stephanie Dickson, physical education teacher leader. “Some kids have been running all summer to get in shape for the race. And the added element of the one-mile walk gets every student involved and sends the message that physical fitness is important.”
Superintendent Cynthia Lane launched the event in 2012 as a way to promote physical fitness to students and to encourage overall wellness. The first 15 students to cross the finish line in the race will receive medals and will have their photo taken with the superintendent.
This year will mark the district’s 4th consecutive year for the Are You Faster Than a 5th Grade event.
– From Tammy Dodderidge, Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools communications manager