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Health & Fitness

Oakdale Elementary Hosts 2nd Annual "Building Our Community Day..."


  Last year in October, Oakdale Elementary held their 1st Annual "Building Our Community Day" at the school. Principal Holli Armstrong had a vision, to bring all of her students and teachers "together" to create a lasting bond. With the help of dozens of parent volunteers, the PTO, and local businesses, the success of this event was overwhelming. Once again this year, Oakdale`s 300 plus students and teachers were randomly assigned a team color (red, white, blue, green) and the tradition continued.

  As the morning bell rang on a recent sun-drenched day, the boys and girls in grades 1-5 gathered in the school yard for opening ceremonies. Ms. Armstrong`s message was clear, "it takes a team, to build a community."

  The four groups competed against one another in field events, helped one another at various stations set up around the yard, danced together to the music of DJ Jim in the courtyard, and thanks to Christina Casali and Dr. Wolf`s Animal Medical Center, along with the folks at the local Animal Rescue League, they got to see (and touch) snakes, rabbits, and an assortment of puppies.

  As much as this day was dedicated to having fun, much more gets accomplished in the long run. Teachers and parents alike, handed out special "chips" throughout the day, to students that exhibited good, sportsman-like behavior. By lunchtime, the crowd had not only worked up an appetite, but learned many valuable lessons and the sense of comradery was evident. Friendships had been forged, between teachers, parents, and of course... Oakdale students.

Story and Photos by: Joe Kilroy

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