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South Jordan Journal

Lace up your shoes, register for Eastlake Elementary 5k, 1-mile run

Apr 01, 2019 03:36PM ● By Julie Slama

By Julie Slama | [email protected]

Next fall, Eastlake Elementary students could be programming a Sphero or learn coding for an Ozobot, if they match last year’s fundraising amount of $16,000 to purchase the technology for the school.

With the fundraising goal in mind, Eastlake Elementary School Community Council is inviting the community to participate in its fourth annual 5k and 1-mile run Monday, May 6. The race will begin at 6 p.m.

“It’s a family fun run, so everyone is welcome to come out and support the school,” said volunteer Teresa Kwant, who is helping with the school run. 

Last year, about 300 people registered for the race, which will be held rain or shine, Kwant said.

Those who wish to run or walk in the event can register at www.runeastlake.com. Runners are guaranteed to receive T-shirts through the April 5 early bird registration. Registration will continue until race day, with T-shirts available first come, first serve. Those wishing to make financial donations can use the same link .

The website will have details about the registration process, routes — which starts at the school and continues through the community — and additional information. There will be food available for purchase, and  prizes will be raffled. 

“This year, we’re making it fun, so runners can dress up as what they like to do,” Kwant said. “So, o, if it’s playing a sport or cheering on a team, they can wear those jerseys. If it’s dancing, they can wear tutus. It’s just for fun as part of the run.” 

If students reach their goal, not only will they have money for new technology, but students will have the chance to see their principal, Suzie Williams, kiss a pig, she said.

“It’s a fun, family event, so everyone in the community is welcome to come out,” Kwant said.

If students do raise enough money for the new technology, Kwant said it will be shared throughout the school.

“All students from kindergarten through grade 6 will be impacted by the STEM technology,” she said.

Williams said with the money raised, every student will be benefited by the purchase of classroom sets of Ozobots, Spheros with iPads to program them and Little Bits electronic building blocks.

“We went to the STEM fair at the (Jordan School) District, and these three stood out,” she said. “They’re so engaging, it pulls the students in and helps them learn. That’s where we are headed. Kids now need to know how to code and how to program.”

Last year, Eastlake’s run supported getting new Chromebooks for the school, bringing devices to an almost 1:1 ratio with students. 

There are about 1,080 students attending Eastlake Elementary this year, although district officials say those numbers may decrease by about 100 pupils with new boundaries set for the fall.