Students Gearing up for the Cougar Literacy 5K Run/Walk

With less than a week left to go, students at Cougar and Manassas Park Elementary are preparing for the sixth annual Cougar Literacy 5K Run/Walk on Saturday. So far 63 runners are expected, but fourth grade teacher and Literacy 5K Director Scott Baldwin said many more entries are expected this week.

For the teachers and students, planning for this year’s event started in February. That’s when the students, some by themselves and others with the help of teachers or parents, began making their literacy goals.

Students who completed their goals will not only get to participate in the run/walk, but they will receive a free T-shirt designed by Shirt of Art of Woodbridge.

Fundraising for the event came out of necessity said fourth grade teacher and Literacy 5K director, Scott Baldwin. “It covers the cost of the T-shirts, but in the beginning we barely broke even.”

This year things are much different. “We’re on track to having our most successful year,” Baldwin said. Even though he didn't want to discuss how much money has been raised, he said they are well on their way to breaking previous records.

All funds that are left over after the shirts are purchased are put directly into a sort of “literacy fund” from which both schools can draw. “It enables teachers to buy books and literacy materials,” Baldwin explained.

Last year, teachers were able to buy about a dozen copies of a non-fiction book for guided lessons to help their students improve their vocabulary skills.

The race will start promptly at 8 a.m.. So far about 20 people have volunteered, but Baldwin said they could always use more help. Anyone wishing to volunteer should email Joseph Portelli at joseph.portelli@mpark.net. Questions about the event should be sent to literacyrun@mpark.net.

Baldwin would like to encourage the community to come out. In addition to the 5K, there will be a health fair and giveaways. “With the community’s involvement [the event] is turning into something very unique.”