From Campus to Classroom: Stories That Shape Education
The fundraising platform has partnered with schools nationwide to raise over $1 billion on playground equipment, technology and safety upgrades.
POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. — The students of Kemp Elementary sauntered up to the starting line, ready to participate in this year’s fun run. Their race reminds Dr. Billy Pritz why he became a principal. With every step, and a few bubbles sprinkled in, the fun run builds excitement and raises money for Kemp students and staff.
“The smiling faces, seeing the positive impact you can have on a community is one of the most fulfilling parts of the job,” Pritz said. “We listen to our community, we listen to our students and staff on how we can make our school better each year.”
The school partnered with Boosterthon, which has raised over $1 billion for 43,000 schools nationwide.
“We’ve been able to put in playgrounds, we’ve turfed a few fields,” Pritz said. “We put in a pickleball court last year really just to enhance the experience the kids have. We’re focused on improving those outdoor areas, we’re going to get some outdoor gaga ball courts. We’ll put in some innovative areas in our media center, our maker’s space to promote creativity among our students.”
Jonathan Settle, Boosterthon’s Atlanta general manager, said the fundraiser has partnered with 225 schools in Georgia alone. The fundraising goals range for each school, as many districts in Metro Atlanta deal with consolidation, closures and funding cuts.
“It’s the idea of getting students outside running, being active, leadership, character and fitness and the idea of getting everyone in the whole school involved in the process,” Settle said. “Schools hire us to come in to promote the student body to raise money for a specific goal like playgrounds, technology, student safety.”
Settle said community buy-in makes Boosterthon run for the two weeks they spend at each school. The fundraiser was started by a couple in Birmingham 25 years ago. According to Boosterthon, every student who participates in events like the fun run cover an average of two miles. Last year, the fundraiser put about $1000 back inside each classroom.
“It just brings a breath of fresh air to the student body where it’s fun, engaging, no one is left out and we love the idea of an all-inclusive school community building event,” Settle said. “The whole community gets involved with the school, parents, volunteers, principals, teachers. It’s a whole community-building event.”
It’s a reminder for Billy Pritz, who likes to leave kids lighthearted by wearing a unicorn costume during the fun run, that support is all around him and every goal is within reach.
“I think it’s us being proactive and transparent with the communication,” Pritz said. “We have multiple committees we meet with, whether it’s our PTA, foundation, our principal’s advisory council. We run everything by them and ask for feedback and perspective. They can see the impact Boosterthon has.”
Read the full article on the original site
