Field Day
Wide Open!
Each time the whistle sounded, teams raced around the square at the annual elementary Field Day. Two-legged races, balloon hitting, tug-of-war, and various relays kept elementary students going "wide open," battling for the top scores. The green team soared above the rest, victorious over the red, brown and blue teams. Because of the hot weather prediction, the decision was made for an indoor field day that turned out to be a great success.
One parent said, "The loud noise added to the intensity of the competition. The students loved it, and the gym air felt so good!"
The Awana style games were perfectly set up for two groups: the lower elementary and the upper elementary. Parents lined the sidelines, cheering on their children while teachers also joined in the fun, encouraging the students and commending their great efforts. Cameras flashed frequently, especially during the grueling tug-of-war matches. Although competition was tough, the teams engaged in great fun, enjoying everyone's successes. No one wanted to here the loud "Zonk!" which meant his/her team just lost points.
First grade teacher Melanie Greene remembered, “I love watching the faces of the kids as they play the games. They are so expressive and filled with wonder! I love how the parents come in support of their children. They jump right in and cheer from the sidelines. Some even helped play the games. The fact of recess all day is like being in heaven for the children.”
Fourth graders agreed on their favorite memories: “The fire truck, watching the fifth graders getting pied, running in the games, and tug-of-war!”
One of the most anticipated moments was the fifth grader's musical pie-in-the-face activity. Fifth grade teacher Darlene Cox had the enjoyment of participating with her class. The fun thing was that every fifth grader, including Mrs. Cox, eventually ate and cleaned whipped cream from his/her face. The class was so excited to finally be in the big shoes – going into middle school next year, which meant getting pies in their faces. What a reward!
Enjoying the game with her class, Mrs. Cox remembered, "Dalton and I were the last two in the game. I was glad that I was able to put the pie in Dalton's face."
The day ended with a "big splash," a short but cold spray from Franklinville Fire Department. As the fountain of water streamed wide open on the students, they too were wide open, running and playing while it lasted. Happy but wet, the students walked away not to soon forget Field Day - a once-a-year experience that marks the last few days of school.