Getting on Track

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Track Get on

St. John’s Lutheran school adjusts annual event to meet COVID reality

VALERIE OWENS

Despite all odds and a year like none other, St. John’s Lutheran was determined to provide students with a sense of normalcy.

The Napa-based private school was determined to make the annual Get on Track (Color Run) event in April as traditional as possible, while still adjusting to the new pandemic reality.

As a mother of two sons attending the school, I stepped into the role of chair of the event with one intention, and that was to make sure every child had fun. The baton had been passed to me yet the blueprint needed to comply with COVID safety guidelines.

Given the past year, I recognized that the overall goal and framework would have to be altered. The challenge was how to keep the heart and soul of the event intact.

Having big shoes to fill, I admit I was nervous. Year after year, parent volunteers have made this a spectacular event. One that my sons look forward to every year. Money is not only raised to support the students but a portion of the funds are also shared with local charities.

I knew right away that I had my work cut out for me given the new

protocols. However, what I found was a community of teachers, staff, parents, volunteers and sponsors who provided unwavering support. I witnessed students who were thrilled to have a day, no matter what it looked like, where they could celebrate and leave behind COVID, even if it was just for a few hours.

“I love how Get on Track brings the entire school community together,” said St. John’s Principal Christy Wood. “The enjoyment of seeing our students physically active to promote fundraising is a joy. I love to see our students pushing themselves hard running around the track and then to see our parents cheering the students on is magical.”

According to veteran St. John’s teacher Betsy Gewirz, the event originated in the early 1980s as a fundraiser and was called the “JogA-Thon.”

Gewirz mentioned that the event took place originally in the south parking lot. Then, a number of years back, the name was changed to “Get On Track” since the school’s track was completed. Eventually, the name evolved into The Color Run.

“It was also decided a few years ago that each class would adopt a charity and a portion of the raised money would be donated,” said Gewirz. “The event built a community within the school and was often attended by relatives and church members, bringing a sense of serving those in need.”

This year, the overarching objective was to promote regularity and raise funds that would benefit the students’ education and enrichment opportunities through the Association of Parents and Teachers or APT. As the one and only fundraiser for the year, the goal was to create a dynamic event that followed every safety precaution while giving the kids something to look forward to.

The event included a track color run adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, a spirit week, an online flat fee donation platform, a NIFTY FIFTY Drawing, poster contest and

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additional classroom and student prizes.

In the end, resilience prevailed. Students were asked to think outside of the box to obtain donations. Sponsors were approached with hope and a new principal emerged with guidance and leadership. Together, the students and sponsors raised over 34,000 according to APT Treasurer Mike Manfred.

“Get On Track is the highlight of the school year,” said Natalie Allen, parent of 3rd grader Violet Allen,. “It’s such a joy to see the school community come together in the spirit of fun to raise money for the school and awareness for various charities.”

With a new school year approaching, the dawn of a new day comes to light. With a committee in place and restrictions lifted, Get On Track will return to its former glory.

Moving the event to the spring of 2022, I look forward to chairing the event once again and working with the great family of St, John’s Lutheran School. At the heart of the community is the notion that no matter what challenge is set before them, they will continue to soar as Eagles.

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