LASD HAPS ABOUT CAMPUS

Last week’s “International Walk to School” Day will seem like a stroll in the park come Saturday when students and their families throughout Los Altos School District hit the ground running.

It’s grab-your-sneakers-and-go time once again as LASD elementary schools host their annual walkathons on Saturday with organizers coming up with creative ways to bring their school communities together for one of the PTAs biggest fund-raisers of the year.

Each year the school PTAs at Gardner Bullis, Springer, Covington, Loyola, Almond and Oak schools transform their fields into fun-filled fund-raisers with track events, games, food, incentive prizes and entertainment. Some even hold black-top or multipurpose room auctions so that those taking a break from the track can bid on some school community events and donated merchandise.

Organizers this year have taken one small step for man and one giant step for mankind, choosing themes that are out of this world or taking a psychedelic trip in a time capsule.

"Hey all you Flower Children!  Get ready to Get Groovy with the Grizzlies at Walkathon 2012!  exclaimed Gardner Bullis Walkathon organizer Michelle Galbraith who chose this year's theme, "Peace Love Walk.” “It's going to be a psychedelically good time for the whole family."

The school is planning a "Dress Like a Hippy" spirit day on Friday to get into the groove for the event, which will include music, a BBQ lunch and treats for all participants.

Meanwhile Springer Elementary plans to blast off into outer space with its Walkathon theme of “Supersonic Space Walk.” To get orbital, the school created a “Crazy Feet” theme for its Walk to School Day last Wednesday and students decorated their shoes to reflect the spaceman theme.

Covington School families also plan to get atmospheric this Saturday with their Walkathon theme of “Zoom to the Moon.” Organizers said they plan to put giant Moon balls (think Hamster balls) around the field for kids to have some funning playing in.

Loyola Walkathon organizers chose to go more global this year with an International theme, emphasizing “Everyone Belongs.” Families are encouraged to bring cakes with International flavors and décor for the school’s annual cakewalk that takes place in the center of the track. Participants can also feast on omelets at the breakfast bar, play fun carnival games and bid on parties and store merchandise at the silent auction.

Almond School families take a more Southern Hemisphere approach to the school’s fundraiser and host a Walkabout each year. This year’s theme, “Walk Around the Clock,” will have participants trading their tennis shoes for saddle shoes on Saturday and don’t be surprised if people come dressed in poodle skirts or put grease in their hair. The auction this year will feature festive gift baskets as well as store merchandise and class parties.

Organizers of Oak Avenue Elementary’s Walkathon plan to get in shape this year. With the theme of "Fit For Fun," families will participate in games and activities while getting fit all at the same time.

So don’t be surprised if you see students skipping to school on Saturday. Walkathons are a tradition that brings the whole school community together to raise funds and keep area schools supersonic.