Johnston Charter Academy participated in a Fun Run and Color Battle, presented by Apex Leadership Co., which combines fitness, fundraising, and leadership into a powerful event that builds funds and students' character education. Johnston raised a total of $40,820.06 via parent and community donors.
The Boosters Parent Action Committee at Johnston wanted to do something that was fun and healthy, versus selling more traditional fundraiser items like cookie dough or coupon books. So, they partnered with Apex Leadership Co. to host a Fun Run for kindergarten- through fourth-graders, and a Color Battle and other fun events for fifth- through seventh-graders.
“I am so proud of the outcome our Parent Action Committee had via the efforts of our students, staff, and parents,” said Kerry Chisnall, principal at Johnston Charter Academy. “Teachers get back 10% of what their classrooms raised, for classroom items of their choosing, so there was an extra incentive for participation.”
128 students in fifth- through seventh-grade participated in the Color Battle, which raised a total of $7,338.17 within 150 hours. Meanwhile, kindergarten- through fourth-grade students participated in the Fun Run, completing 15,717 laps, totaling 982 miles.
The Boosters Parent Action Committee is committed to spending the money to support classroom teachers, school-wide projects, technology, campus beautification, and playground enhancements.
“The Parent Action Committee made these decisions in conjunction with staff feedback. Shade is desired for the playground to protect our scholars from the heat and humidity at recess,” said Chisnall. “They are looking at a Chromebook cart for teachers to share, and we want to put a fence along the side of our field and carpool."