Westwood Elementary School was lively as ever Friday morning as children and parents gathered on the newly renovated track to start the annual Fun Run, the PTA’s biggest spring fundraiser.
The track, which was renovated using funds donated by parents to the Westwood Elementary Foundation, was rededicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the marathon started. The foundation worked with Darrel Brown, CMO and senior estimator for City Service Paving, who was able to get the track repaved at cost, said Megan Orvis-Morris, president of the foundation.
In addition to the more than 100 parent volunteers, Rhiannon Plummer, the foundation’s secretary and co-chair of the run, said local businesses donated time and items. Scott Zimmerman and Matt Baits of Gymminy Kids came out to get the kids warmed up for the run, local Prudential realtor Lisa Betz donated the balloon arch and other donations were made by Jimbo’s.
Foundation vice president Christine Wong said the foundation and PTA raised $14,000 last year, which funds art and music, books and technology upgrades. Orvis-Morris said this year’s goal is $25,000 and they’re more than halfway there.
Some of the things the foundation was able to purchase this year include headphones for the computer lab, new iPads for the teachers, printers, software upgrades and DocuCams for every classroom. Potential upgrades for next year include mobile carts for tech-based learning tools and netbooks for students to utilize in the classrooms.
