ROSS TWP. — It did not matter if Ross Elementary students hopped, skipped, ran, walked or even danced around the designated course Friday, Oct. 14.

What mattered was that the students and their families provided mailing labels with addresses of family and friends for the school’s annual Race For Education fundraiser.

The event organized by the Ross Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization is the only fundraiser of the year, said Principal Lori Bednarek.

Donations solicited through students’ family connections are used to finance field trips, educational assemblies and classroom resources, said Melissa Lukavitch, PTO secretary and event coordinator.

“Last year we raised over $8,000,” Lukavitch said. “This year I think we might pass that. We have about $7,800 in right now, and more donations are coming in.”

Lukavitch added local businesses also support the school’s fundraiser by donating money, refreshments such as water, or their time, as the case with Son of a Drifter DJ Service, who provided upbeat tunes for the children.

Bringing in addresses allowed students to earn rewards such as a pizza party, movie party or extra recess time.

Addison Brink, 7, could not remember how many addresses she brought in, but she enjoyed being outside in the sun, laughing and running with friends.

“This is fun,” Brink said. “I like it (Race For Education).”

Brink’s mother, Jessica, said her daughter brought in 12 mailing labels.

“This is an easy fundraiser for parents,” Jessica said. “It also gets their (the children’s) energy up.”

Holly Neville, mother of Bryce, a second-grader, and Braelyn, a sixth-grader, both at Ross Elementary School, agreed stating, “You don’t have to sell anything.”

“It is nice because it is the only fundraiser,” Neville said.

Nearly 250 students at Ross Elementary were given a chance to walk around the large square course located just off the playground in a grassy area.

Bednarek said Friday’s event started with kindergarten to second-grade students, who had about an hour to walk around the course.

Then, third through sixth-grade students would have a turn to navigate the course and celebrate the end of the fundraiser.

Kindergarten, first and second grade students at Ross Elementary ended their hour on the field with a little Hokey Pokey. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students were next to run the field.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ed_run5_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgKindergarten, first and second grade students at Ross Elementary ended their hour on the field with a little Hokey Pokey. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students were next to run the field. Fred Adams | For Dallas Post

Sydney Mock, a first grade student at Ross Elementary School in Sweet Valley runs around a designated course for the school’s annual Race for Education fundraiser on Oct. 14.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ed_run1_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgSydney Mock, a first grade student at Ross Elementary School in Sweet Valley runs around a designated course for the school’s annual Race for Education fundraiser on Oct. 14. Fred Adams | For Dallas Post

Ross Elementary first grader Nate Sawyer races his friends around a square-shaped course during the Race for Education fundraiser. The event, organized by the school’s PTO raises money for various field trips, assemblies and more.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ed_run2_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgRoss Elementary first grader Nate Sawyer races his friends around a square-shaped course during the Race for Education fundraiser. The event, organized by the school’s PTO raises money for various field trips, assemblies and more. Fred Adams | For Dallas Post

For nearly an hour, Ross Elementary kindergarten, first and second grade students ran, walked or skipped around a designated area on the Ross Elementary School grounds on Friday, Oct. 14. The combination of the warm sun and constant running made Haley Lukavitch removed her jacket.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ed_run3_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgFor nearly an hour, Ross Elementary kindergarten, first and second grade students ran, walked or skipped around a designated area on the Ross Elementary School grounds on Friday, Oct. 14. The combination of the warm sun and constant running made Haley Lukavitch removed her jacket. Fred Adams | For Dallas Post

The Race for Education is the only fundraiser Ross Elementary PTO organizes during the year to provide financing for a variety of programs and classroom resources.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ed_run4_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Race for Education is the only fundraiser Ross Elementary PTO organizes during the year to provide financing for a variety of programs and classroom resources. Fred Adams | For Dallas Post
Ross Elementary students Race for Education

By Eileen Godin

egodin@timesleader.com

Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews.