Big Rapids Michigan center schoolers have enjoyable at Foam Frenzy

BIG RAPIDS — With scenes of moist, foam-covered youngsters working round Hemlock Park in Big Rapids on Friday, Oct. 3, one would possibly suppose it was the center of summer time — despite the fact that it’s previous the beginning of fall.

Amid unseasonably heat climate, Big Rapids Middle School hosted its Foam Frenzy fundraiser, placed on by the varsity’s Parent Teacher Organization. The occasion aimed to usher in cash to help actions and different wants for college kids all year long, which they succeeded in doing — after which some.

“We still have a week to go, but so far, we’ve raised $22,000,” PTO President Mandy Kilpatrick mentioned.

The objective was to boost at $20,000.

“It went great, we had a beautiful day, and I think the kids really enjoyed it,” she mentioned. “They get some exercise and run through some foam, and then we got the music, and they’re having a blast.”

Kilpatrick mentioned occasions just like the Foam Frenzy are vital, they usually’ve been doing it for 5 years. It additionally made her day to see all of the smiling faces.

“It just gives us a sense of connectivity to the staff and to the students,” she mentioned. “We want to help in any way we can.”

Leading as much as the occasion, college students increase the funds themselves by asking household, neighbors and others to chip in.

The climate proved serendipitous, too, as the scholars’ obtained a becoming prize.

“It turned out really well that one of our incentives were these sunglasses for a day like this,” Kilpatrick mentioned. “So they raised $25, they got sunglasses, and they got some treats at recess.”

She mentioned total, it helps the scholars and will get them excited.

“It gets them working towards a goal, and they get to see things around the school that they’ve helped buy, in a sense,” Kilpatrick mentioned.

Middle faculty Principal Dale Rogers additionally thought the occasion went properly.

“It was terrific, we had great weather, we had a ton of support from the PTO volunteers, the kids had a great time,” he mentioned. “Lots of good vibes out here, music playing, just a fantastic day.”

It was his first occasion of this type, and he did not know what to anticipate moving into.

“I was extremely nervous of how things were going to go, but with this group of volunteers, they’ve done it for a few years, and they just had everything down to a science,” Rogers mentioned. “They knew exactly what they were doing, everything was set up, and for me, it was just a matter of supervision, but they had everything, so it was an easy job for me, and I just got to see kids just have fun.”

Rogers believes it is useful for college kids to chop unfastened and have enjoyable, but in addition that it is vital for the employees to see the scholars having enjoyable.

“This brings them back to why they got into education to begin with,” he mentioned. “It’s the kids.”

Rogers mentioned the objective is to boost one other $5,000 by the top of the drive, and he is trying ahead to what they will have the ability to do with the funds.

“Some hands on learning and going to see things,” he mentioned. “Not just being in the classroom, venturing out and seeing what’s out there and how what we’re teaching applies to the real world.”

Rogers expressed his appreciation for the PTO, his employees and the entire dad and mom, guardians and neighborhood members that got here out to the occasion.

“It’s just a community event where they all poured in, and it just went fabulous,” he mentioned. “This is such a fantastic event, and the fundraising was awesome, so super happy about that.”

Big Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Tim Haist was additionally in attendance and thanked the PTO for placing on the occasion. He mentioned it is thrilling to see the scholars having enjoyable.

“This is what makes Big Rapids Public Schools special,” he mentioned. “I’m very proud. It’s fun to see the interaction. It’s something that we all can be proud of.”