Fall, 2002, No. 13 National Network of Partnership Schools
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Centennial Elementary School Helps Fight Cancer
In previous years, the staff of Centennial Elementary School in Wapakoneta, OH participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life-a 21-hour walk to raise money for cancer research. The team wanted to include students and families to help raise funds for and awareness of cancer, so they initiated the Mini-Relay/Field Day to Fight Cancer.
A group of staff members met in January to plan the Mini-Relay/Field Day that would include all students (K-2) and staff. In April, the school guidance counselor spoke at an opening ceremony about cancer and its effects, and representatives from the Relay for Life committee expressed the importance of and their appreciation for the school's service to the community. Two weeks before the Mini-Relay/Field Day, all students and staff members received envelopes to collect donations for the American Cancer Society. A donations thermometer in the school's main hallway recorded progress towards the goal of $2,500.
On the day of the Mini-Relay/Field Day, all students, staff members, and many parents walked thirty minutes around a ¼ mile course set up behind the school. (An indoor course was set up in case of inclement weather.) For every completed lap, each walker collected a clothespin and attached it to his/her clothing. At the end of 30 minutes, each class counted their clothespins to record the total number of laps walked. Second grade pen pals from nearby Coldwater Elementary School joined in the fun to walk for cancer. A total of five hundred seventy walkers walked 3,486 laps-an average of 1½ miles per person. Quite an accomplishment for 5 to 7 year olds!
With the help of all students and staff and community sponsors, organizations, businesses, and the Centennial Parent Teacher Organization, the school raised $7,901.84 for the Auglaize County Unit of the American Cancer Society. Special guests State Representative Derrick Seaver and Co-Chairs of the Relay for Life Committee Laura Kelley and Theresa Fisher participated in the closing ceremony.
At the official Auglaize County Relay for Life, held later in May, all students were invited to walk the first lap as a school team of students, their families, and staff members. As follow up, an evaluation form was sent home so that students and staff members could share their comments about this community activity. Students and staff members received a letter showing the measured results of the Mini Relay/Field Day Fight for Cancer. Relay participants wrote thank-you notes to sponsoring community organizations, and the local newspaper featured a story.
Students benefited from the Mini-Relay/Field Day by learning about cancer and the American Cancer Society. They gained a sense of community and pride knowing they helped find a cure for cancer. This Type 6 activity was a great way to collaborate with and for the community.
By Karen Clark Salinas
Elementary School FacilitatorAdapted from: Promising Partnership Practices-2002, National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University.
