Hundreds of East Moline students raised money for their school while doing something active.
According to Ridgewood Elementary School, about 450 students in grades K-4 at Ridgewood Elementary participated in a jog-a-thon to raise money for SMARTboard technology for the classroom.
The students had 20 minutes to see how many laps they could complete around a track. Students collected pledges based on how many laps they expected to finish as well as accepting flat donations for the school.
The goal was to raise $6,000 toward the SMARTboard technology. SMARTboards are an interactive drawing board that combines the simplicity of a whiteboard with the technology of a computer. They allow for a way of “hands-on” learning that can engage the whole classroom. The money they hoped to raise will purchase two SMARTboards.
The event began in 2010 to promote physical activity and give every student the chance to participate in a fundraiser. It was held at the Soule Bowl and there was a carnival and field day held along with the jog-a-thon. Dozens of high school students came to help out with the events.