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This page contains the many nice notes of
encouragement that we received during the 2005-2006 school year.
 WOW! Today is your
big day (day one)! Think big... Go strong... I'm here in Oregon cheering
you on!
Heidi Lindner
5th Grade
Teacher
Beaver Acres Elementary
Beaverton, Oregon
Dear Boys and Girls,
Good luck on your Trek. 3,200 miles is a long way to go, but you can
do it. Please make sure to stay healthy along the way. Eat lots of
nutritious food and get a good night's rest, each night. Pace
yourself and encourage your peers. I hope that you meet your goal -
I would love to see Paul complete his trek next year! I will check
your site often to find out how you are doing. I'll also let my 100
Happy Feet club kids know about your trek. It will inspire them to
keep running. Expect some letters from my club sometime in October
or November. WOW! What a great project you have!
Carol Goodrow
2nd Grade
Teacher:
Birch Grove Primary School
Tolland, Connecticut
Editor:
kidsrunning.com
Author: Happy Feet; Healthy Food; Your Child's First Journal of
Exercise and Healthy Eating; and,
The Treasure of Health and Happiness (coming April 2006)
Alright, you're
already a quarter of the way to my house! Just two weeks ago they
had the Hood-to-Coast Run. Teams run in relay fashion from Mt. Hood
to Seaside each running 4-6 miles at a time. Maybe one day some of
you can come out and be part of this Run. Good Luck and wave on your
way through.
Jennifer Pursell
Jr. High PE
Teacher
Binnsmead Middle
School
Portland, Oregon
What a great idea! I
went to college in Missoula and I teach now in Oregon. I'll be
following your progress, and sharing it with my kids. Have fun!
Kathy Baxter
4th/5th Grade
Teacher
Elmonica Elementary
Beaverton, Oregon
You guys are all
awesome and I know that you'll reach your goals!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU
ALL!!!
RUN RUSSELL RUN!!!
Stacey Rossmiller
Parent of
a Russell Elementary 5th Grade Student
Missoula, Montana
Russell kids ROCK!!
I
know you guys will do this and make Mr. Staso run, run, run!!!
Diana Sontag
Parent of
a Russell Elementary 5th Grade Student
Missoula, Montana
What a fantastic
idea. I wish I were still in grade school so I could be a part of
the fun adventure you are all going to have. Have Fun!!
Arletha Swan
Missoula,
Montana
Wow, way to go guys
and girls. Our Physical Education department is doing kinda the same
thing about running across America, but not this detailed. We are
using Toe Tokens to track our miles and putting the classes into
teams of 2 or 3. I look forward to seeing your progress. Keep up the
great work. Way to go!!!
Robin McMullen
K-2 P.E. Teacher
Suwannee Primary
School
Live Oak, Florida
Hope everything is
going well. Keep up the good work. Remember to always keep moving.
Have a great day and lots of great weather for walking/running.
Karen Demonakos
Moundsview,
Minnesota
Great example of an
innovative solution. Congratulations to all involved. "The State
with the Best Education (and fittest students) Wins!"
Russ Fletcher
Founder,
Montana
Associated Technology Roundtables
Missoula,
Montana
Hi
everyone!
 I wanted to send my
'written' encouragement... even though you will be hearing from me
each day! I'm excited to persevere through the whole school
year with you and to see you complete this goal! It is set-up
so you will have to struggle through some difficult things
– for each
of you that will be different! My goal for you, besides
finishing the trek as a team, is for each of you to learn something
unique about yourself and to become stronger doing it! Remember
that this kind of opportunity gives you lessons to learn for life!
So never give up and never give in and keep your eye on the finish
line! Love you guys!
Vicki Staso, Co-Organizer
Run/Walk Across America 2005-2006
P.E. Teacher - Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
I am truly
excited to see each of you step out toward greater fitness through
this virtual Run/Walk Across America. All of you - whether walkers,
runners, or both - are a great example to others and an inspiration
to me. I look forward to watching your progress this school year and
am pleased to be involved in the organization of this wonderful trek. Remember, if either
class succeeds then you will achieve a great
goal as a team, and will have a personal satisfaction for your
contribution in that. Also, you'll be successful in sending me out
onto America's highways in 2006 for an actual trek across America!
Based on the effort I saw all of you give this week, I had better
get in pretty good shape! Go For It!
Paul Staso, Co-Organizer
Run/Walk Across America 2005-2006
Web Developer & Internet Marketing Specialist -
OnTrack Designs
Missoula, Montana
Dear
Vicki - I saw the article about the Russell 4th and 5th grade
classes embarking on a virtual run/walk across the continental
United States and want to congratulate you on a wonderful idea that
will benefit your students in multiple ways. Combining the great
physical exercise with geography, history, language and science is
truly inspired teaching. Please tell the 4th and 5th graders that I
am very excited for them and I know they will make it to Delaware
next spring. In the meantime, I'll be checking in to see how far
they've gone. Good luck with this marvelous project, Vicki, and keep
up the good work! Run, Russell, Run!!
Linda McCulloch
Montana
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Helena, Montana
Wow!
What you're doing is really neat! You may not even realize how good
this physical education is for you until you are older and think
back about it. If you start walking and running daily (or near
daily) NOW, you may begin for yourself a pretty wonderful LIFETIME
habit! ... Did you like Cannon Beach? It's beautiful there, huh?!
Bet some of you wanted to stay and play in the ocean and check out
all the interesting little shops! Your walking and running since
then have been mostly through woodsy, forested areas, sometimes
along a pretty stream. How was going over the mountain pass? Phew! I
can only imagine!! But, you DID IT! ... As you are leaving Hillsboro
and approaching Aloha, you will no doubt on your right notice
"Harvey" on TV Hwy. He's been in front of a place of business
(Harvey's Marine) for decades! He's
an enormous plastic
man with a rabbit's head... I'm glad you're all doing
this. Our Nation (as a whole) is pretty unhealthy and pretty
un-pretty. So, thank you for helping to beautify America! I know
you're walking in Missoula, but wherever, wherever, WHEREVER you end
up doing your walking (or running) for the rest of your lives, walk
so much that you wear grooves in the sidewalk or track or path! Walk
until you feel it and if you don't, kick it up a notch! ... Walk
Away!
Sherry Wilson
Former student
of old Willard Elementary and of Hellgate High School in Missoula
Aloha, Oregon
Kelleigh
and Matthew - You guys ROCK! I'm so proud of you both, keep me
posted on where you get post cards from and how far you've made it!
Good luck every one!
Leslie
Kelleigh and
Matthew's aunt
Missoula, Montana
I'm
very proud to see you and your school working hard to be physically
fit. Good luck to you all as you "run across America"!
Mrs. Anschutz
Missoula, Montana
We
are the grandparents of 5th grade students Matthew and Kelleigh. We
have no doubt that these wonderful Russell Students will make the
whole trip! Sounds like you have a great start. Keep up the good
work.
Irene and Larry Hiller
Missoula, Montana
I'm
writing this mostly to the 4th graders. I have faith that if you
work steadily at catching the 5th graders, you guys can do it. I
have been a runner most of my life, and it has brought me a lot of
joy. To beat the 5th graders, start a tiny bit slower and as the
final minute of your runs arrive, work a small bit harder. As a
class, if you guys can close just a mile or two a week, You'll be
ahead before you know it. Be sure to thank Mrs. Staso for putting
this together. I wish I could have done something this cool when I
was your age.
Wayne Baker
Westfield, New
Jersey
Run
students run!!! You may not think so now but you will probably have
the opportunity to see all of these states and many more in your
future... Good Luck!
Gilbert Petty
Havre, Montana
Keep
up the great work! I have been checking on your progress! YOU ROCK!
Heidi Lindner
5th Grade
Teacher
Beaver Acres Elementary
Beaverton, Oregon
Dear
4th and 5th graders: we want to encourage you. Run fast and hard and
we can make Mr.Staso run. We have already made it across one state
we can make it all the way.
Cami, Kristy and Lindsay
4th
Grade Participating Students
Missoula,
Montana
Let's
go 4F. I know you can do it. Keep up the good work!
Hannah Worrest
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula,
Montana
Go
4F and 4S. I'm glad for you. You should be to... I'm running too.
Samantha Harper
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula,
Montana
You
are doing good! Keep it up kids. Good work!
Pat Lynch
Parent of a 4th
Grade Participant
Missoula,
Montana
You
4th graders rock! I am so proud of you for sticking with it and
giving this project your all. Keep up the great work!
Melissa Anschutz
Parent of a
4th Grade Participant
Missoula,
Montana
Hi
4-F! Hope we get to the finish line. Let's run run run and have some
fun fun fun!
Emilee Anschutz
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula,
Montana
Hello kids. My name
is Aaron Lohr. I am a soldier in the United States Army currently
serving in Iraq. I read about your virtual run across America in the
Missoulian. I think it is an amazing thing you guys are doing. I am
not going to say good luck on accomplishing your goal. I am going to
say congrats. See, I was kid growing up in Missoula MT and I know
you kids aren't just going to try and reach your goal. I know you
will succeed in it. So congrats, and keep up the hard work. Will
follow you the entire way. Thanks for the inspiration you have also
given me. Supporting you always...
SPC Aaron J. Lohr
U.S. Army Operations Specialist
Stationed in Iraq
Note: Mr.
Lohr also wrote the following note to Paul & Vicki, the Run/Walk
Across America organizers. We're sharing it because we want others
to know that this project is not only impacting the lives of
students across America who are doing virtual treks because their
teachers were inspired by our journey, but it is also impacting
people outside the field of education.
Mr.
and Mrs. Staso: My name is Aaron Lohr.
I am a soldier in the U.S. Army. I read the recent article in the
Missoulian online about the virtual run across America that the kids
are doing. I was greatly impressed with the idea and the enthusiasm,
in which the kids seem to have for the project. I am a Missoula
native, and was interested in using your idea in motivating some of
my soldiers in to getting up and running a little more by placing a
challenge to them - to try and match what your students do. I was
wondering how often your kids run, and how much time they spend
doing it? Also I thought that if the 4th and 5th graders knew that
they were racing a bunch of Army guys and were beating them, that
might motivate them to keep going. Anyways I thought it was a great
idea, and I was very impressed with how the kids responded.
Congrats, you must be a wonderful teacher.
SPC Aaron J. Lohr
U.S. Army Operations Specialist
Stationed in Iraq
My
class (in Portland) has taken the challenge. We have 23 in our class
and we think that we can do the entire 3,200 miles ourselves. We
finished our 3rd day of running and have completed just over 60
miles. I don't know if we can keep up with you but we're going to
try! Thanks to the Staso's and Russell Elementary. We're right
behind you.
Mr. Robert Remler
4th Grade
Teacher -
Ventura Park Elementary School
Portland, Oregon
Good
Luck in your journey. I coach a CYO track team in Glen Cove, New
York and plan on sharing this website with them. We will keep an eye
on your progress.
Gene Rooney
Youth Coach -
CYO
Track Team
Glen Cove, New York
Hi
Kids! I was your Librarian when the 4th graders were in Kindergarten
and the 5th graders in 1st grade! I learned about your trip in our
Miles City paper and also read about it in the online version of the
Missoulian. What an experience this is for you! I'll be checking
your progress each week -- keep up the good work!
Karen Huckins
Miles City,
Montana
Dear
students: Come on we can do it! You guy's are so funny sometimes, so
have fun.
Damian
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Hey,
come on 4th grade - we're like 57 miles behind. Keep running!
Baylee
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Great
story in the paper!! What fun, keep running!! Go 5th
graders!!!
Cathy Gydas
Aunt of a 5th
Grade Participant
Missoula, Montana
I
loved the article on the Russell kids. I didn’t know they were
doing that, it is pretty awesome. I checked out the web site and I
am very impressed. What an awesome idea!
Brynn Molloy
Sister of
Russell Kindergarten Teacher, Jenny Molloy
Missoula, Montana
This
is so exciting you guys! I hope all of you are having fun with this
project. I am so impressed with your efforts and I wish you the very
best on your journey. Just focus on one step at a time and you will
be there before you know it! Smile! Run! & HAVE FUN!
Kelley Durbin
Owner/Coach -
Mismo Gymnastics and Cheer
Missoula, Montana
Go
4th Grade. Go, Go, Go, Go - we can do it! 4th grade were doing
great. Keep up the good work. We can beat the 5th graders. Let's Go!
We can do it!
Tamara
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Great
job guys! We are already in Washington!! I hope we make it to the
end! I bet we will!!
Savannah
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Hey
fourth and fifth grades! I know we can make it to the finish line!
I have been running with my dad and I know he can run across
America. So we have to RUN! We will be so excited when we complete
our trek... and just think about the nice plane ride from Delaware
back to Missoula! I like running with my class because they
are so motivated! Let's stay motivated!!!!!!!
Ashlin
5th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Hey
5th! keep it up! We gotta catch those 4th graders. I know we will
make it across America, even if they beat us there! (though we all
hope not!!!!)
Joree
5th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Way
to go kids, good luck in your travels across America. I will be
looking forward to you running through Minnesota! Good Luck!
Bart Hanson
Rochester, Minnesota
Mrs.
Heidi Lindner, a 5th Grade Teacher at
Beaver Acres Elementary,
located in Beaverton, Oregon, gave her students an opportunity to
send the Russell Elementary 4th and 5th graders many words of
encouragement. Here are those kind thoughts:
Have a good time
running! - Ashley
I like the way that you guys got this idea. It is really cool. -
Iman
Keep on running. You can do it. Great job so far. -
Brian
Let's go Russell Elementary 4th and 5th graders! -
David
I wish you the best. Never give up. Keep going. -
Nareen
Good luck kids. You are the best. Have fun. You can do it!!! -
Lexi
YOU CAN DO IT! KEEP ON RUNNING! -
Ray
Try to win you guys and gals!! You can do it!! Good luck!! I will be
cheering for you!! -
Jocelyn
Try your best and keep running. You've tried really hard. Keep it
up! -
Taylor
You guys rock. Keep going, don't stop. -
Savanna
Hey kids, I know you're way faster then I am. Keep it up! -
Aaron
I like what you're
doing. Keep going. - Ian
AWESOME! 349+302=651
SWEET! (Marcus
was adding the total mileage for both classes so far)
- Marcus
Keep on running. -
Johnny
I hope u do the 3,200
mile run/walk and u people finish it. -
Brwa
You got guts to be
running that long. Keep up the good work! -
Desyre
Keep going. Wish I could
run too. I'll send more encouragement. -
C.J.
Hay kids, you are fast.
Do not give up. - Omar
I hope you do it because
I cannot wait till I see how fast you went. -
Jeremiah
Good job, keep going! I
wish I could run with you. And I am running too. I know running
3,200 miles must take a long time and sometimes it's ok to take a
brake. Did you know that I ride my bike for 2 hours a day and run
for 1 hour a day and sometimes I take a brake. Hay, you know it's ok
because if I didn't I would be very tired. You are not alone. -
Sky
I wish you good luck. I
hope you make it. I'm here by your side. I know your working hard to
make it to the finish line. Good luck. -
Rebecca
You aren't alone. We are
all running with you. -
Genevieve
I'm
glad to see the new pacing chart. I was going to point out that you
had fallen a bit behind what would be needed to make Mr. Staso run.
All of you have a little catching up to do. I also expect that it
will be harder to do the mileage when winter really hits, so now
that you have had a few weeks to get your bodies conditioned, why
not set a goal of getting ahead of the target pace? I wish you all
the best of luck, and, if I can do it, will try to meet Mr. Staso in
Delaware. It's the state just to the south of New Jersey and I can
take a ferry to Lewes, DE from Cape May, NJ (the very tip at the
bottom of the state).
Mr. Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
I
know we can do it. We have been doing great and I know we can keep
it up. We have a great teacher, and won't stop encouraging us on. We
can do it.
Chantelle
4th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Hey
Kids - I am so proud of your progress. I have started working a
program for my kids using the toe tokens. Keep up the good work and
stay fit and healthy.
Alma Eleby-Bailey
Elementary
P.E. Instructor
Callahan Elementary
Callahan, Florida
You
guys are amazing! Keep up the good work and wear those sneakers out!
Jeannie
Aloha, Oregon
I
hope you're having fun. Remember to drink water. I am really proud
of you. I think you have done a great job so far. Everyone in my
class is talking about you. You are very popular. You'll be a legend
when you make it.
Brian
5th Grade Student
Beaver Acres Elementary
Beaverton, Oregon
Hope
you are getting enjoyment from the postcards and books from Tacoma.
I am enjoying watching your progress. I have sent your site to
friends on the east coast and mid west. Hope you get cards. Keep
running!!!
Ann Denzer
Tacoma, Washington
(Note:
We've received many wonderful Washington postcards from Mrs. Denzer, and
some educational books about Washington locations! We truly
appreciate her thoughtfulness and encouragement. The children enjoy
her support.)
You
guys can make it. Do not give up. Even if you are discouraged, even
if you are a 100 miles behind. Always look forward when you are
running and never look back. You guys are doing great! Keep
running, have fun and send my Dad to run across America next year!
Jenna
6th Grade Student
Meadow Hill Middle School
Missoula, Montana
I
have walked from the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific and then to the
Atlantic here in Canada. It takes stamina and determination. I wish
you luck and encourage you to walk every day. The habit that you are
developing must last a lifetime and by being active it will be an
enjoyable lifetime. You live in a beautiful state and to enjoy it
you must walk. Keep on walking.
Ole Olson
Ottawa, Canada
Alright
everyone - you're rockin! Keep up the good work and run like mad!
Leslie
Hellgate High School
Missoula, Montana
You
can make it! But if you don't do not feel bad!
Kyler
2nd Grade Student
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
Hey
5k - I think we can do this so turn in yellow slips and I know we
can do it.
Kelleigh
5th Grade
Participant
Missoula, Montana
It
has been 7 weeks since you began this very long trek across America
and I am truly pleased with the overall effort of both classes. Next
week all of you will enter Montana - our home state! That is quite
an accomplishment. Within 2 months you have traveled over 600 miles,
starting at Cannon Beach, Oregon and running 101 miles across
Oregon, 343 miles across Washington, and 174 miles across Idaho. I
am seeing increased physical abilities in a number of students and
am pleased to tell the 4th grade class that they are ahead of the
scheduled pace for the first time since beginning this journey. The
5th grade class is not far behind and for having 28% fewer students
than the 4th grade I am VERY impressed with the progress that the
5th grade has made! At this point I don't believe that all of the
participants, their parents, the school teachers, or the community
of Missoula truly comprehend the immensity of this goal to virtually
cross the continent by the end of the school year. You are nearly
20% done with this trek and you will now be running and walking to
conquer the nearly 600 mile distance across Montana (which makes up
20% of your total trip). I will continue to cheer you on and I look
forward to our party at the completion of Montana - which should
occur in late December or early January. Know that what you've
accomplished so far has been watched by many visitors to this web
site. We are regularly contacted by P.E. teachers in America who are
interested in doing a similar trek with their students, and this
week a school in Florida decided to start a virtual trek program!
You are inspiring others, and I am proud of your efforts. Keep on
running and walking!
Paul Staso, Co-Organizer
Run/Walk Across America 2005-2006
Missoula, Montana
Hi
Kids: You're doing great! I'm a runner and I've ran a 5km (3.1
miles) race in just under 30 minutes. I'm just 7 years old. Let's
see if together you can get more than 210 miles in one week.
Keep up the good work. I'll be checking on you.
Matthew Baker
2nd Grade Student
Benjamin Franklin School
Westfield, New Jersey
Note:
Ironically, the total mileage of both classes for the week
that Matthew sent this note added up
to exactly 210 miles! The 4th Grade had 69 miles and 5th grade had 141
miles. Thanks for the encouragement Matthew!
I
am very proud you have reached Missoula; wish I were there to run
with you. It is snowing in the Western Washington mountains and the
ski season is starting. Keep running and you all will get to the
finish line.
Ann Denzer
Tacoma, Washington
Hi
There! My name is Nick and I live in England and I have just learned
about the fantastic walk/run you children are doing across the
United States, doing a few miles a week. Paul Staso told me about
the wonderful effort you are doing because a few years ago I
actually ran the miles from San Francisco to New York. I told some
school children here about what you are doing and they are just
amazed at how much effort and hard work you are putting in. I
remember from when I did the actual run, there were many, many times
when I got so tired and no matter how far I seemed to run each week,
it always seemed such a long way STILL to the finish at New York!!!
Maybe there are days or weeks where right now you feel that it is
still such a long way to go and the finish just doesn't seem any
nearer. Does that sound familiar? Have you felt like that? Well let
me tell you something. If this was easy - anyone would do it. But
it's not easy and that's what makes you children so special. Often
the easiest thing to do is give up. This wonderful project you are
doing sets you apart from many others and you can feel very proud, I
am sure your parents are. Believe me, if you break the goal down
to manageable 'chunks' and take 'one week at a time', you WILL get
there. And when you do, those few miles you do this week will have
made ALL the difference. Good luck and keep at it!
Nick Baldock
Ran
Across America in 1998 at age 43 (Details:
2,851 miles; 132 days; full support crew; ran 22 miles each day)
Sales Trainer with Maximum Impact
Hertfordshire, England
Way
to go, kids! I'm really impressed by your progress and your
commitment. You'll gain so much from this, and hopefully will avoid
a lifetime of health problems, and stay fit for good. That would be
the best thing you could ever do for yourselves! Take care, and keep
up the good work!
Ms. Crawford also shared these kind
words to Paul & Vicki (the organizers of this Run/Walk Across
America):
"This is an
incredible idea, and I've shared it with teacher friends already...
but I also wanted to say I think this is one of the best websites
I've ever visited. It's attractive and fun and very user-friendly."
Jo Crawford
Arlee, Montana
To
The Students and Teachers at Russell School: My name is Stewart
P. LeBeau and I am 75 years old from Menominee, Michigan. I have
been following your school's virtual run. I know Ann L. Denzer from
Tacoma Washington and we send each other E-mail. In the past Ann
told me that she went to Russell School in her childhood and
recently she has been telling me about the virtual run you are
taking across the USA. Though you are not coming to Michigan,
my home state, I still want to let you know that I am interested in
your project and I hope you come to my city next year. I hope you
have lots of fun doing this project and that you gain a lot of new
knowledge along the way.
Stewart P. LeBeau
Menominee, Michigan
I
can't believe that you guys are in Montana already! You blew right
through Missoula and didn't even stop to say "HI"! You guys are
AWESOME! Russell kids are the best there are and you guys are
proving it! I bet both 4th and 5th grade can reach the North Dakota
border by the time you leave for Christmas break. KEEP ON RUNNIN'!!!
Stacey Rossmiller
Missoula, Montana
A
general word of encouragement for all the kids taking part in the
'huge' project and goal. A special word of encouragement to Emilee
Anschutz - Go Emilee Go, I am Proud of you.
Scott Allred
Missoula, Montana
You
guys are doing great! You started this week ahead of pace! I
really look up to you guys. This is something you will never forget.
KEEP RUNNING!
Jenna
Meadow Hill Middle
School
Missoula, Montana
Dear
4th grade, Run until you can't run any more. Run your hearts out.
Don't take this like it is a big race against each other.
Alice
4th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
Hi
guys, having fun? I love your program!! You guys have accomplished a
lot!!! Keep up the good work!!
Alexandria
5th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
Hi
class, we've got to run more.
Aaron
5th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
Dear
fourth grade: You guys have done so good! Are you having fun?
Well I am.
Holly
5th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
We're
doing really good. I think we're going to make it.
Shanell
5th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
Hey,
friends! I just wanted to tell you to keep going and don't give up.
Also take the yellow slips to keep up to the 4th graders. I'm
rooting for the 5th grade because I am a 5th grader but I do want to
send a little encouragement to them - a little. Tiny bit.
Mackenzie
5th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
Keep
on running guys! We're doing great! We're ahead of the fourth grade
right now, so let's keep up the pace. It's hard work, but I'm sure
we'll reach our goal.
Brielle
5th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
4-F
& 4-S RUN! RUN! RUN! Hope we make it to the finish line!
Emilee
4th Grade Participant
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
Hi
Kids, I had written to you a couple of weeks ago. I think that each
class should try to get at least 100 miles every week until the end
of the year. You're doing great. Keep up the good work and keep
running!
Matthew Baker
2nd Grade Student
Benjamin Franklin School
Westfield, New Jersey
Last
year we crossed America -- Matt ran the whole distance like you are
doing, and Laura rode her bike alongside him! We think that what you
are doing is great, and it is amazing that you are basically right
on pace!!! Keep up the good work.
Laura Shipler Chico and Matt
Chico
Silver Spring, Maryland (but currently
working in Rwanda, Africa)
Hi
4th and 5th graders - You are all doing so well and are actually
less than 400 miles from Miles City. What a big state we live in!! I
look forward to checking on your progress and seeing the pictures
that have been added. Keep up the good work.
Karen Huckins
The
participating student's former Librarian
Miles City, Montana
GO
GO GO GO GO GO GO GO KIDS.
Tamara
4th Grade Participating
Student
Missoula, Montana
Good
Job! Keep running! We can make it. Make sure to use yellow slips!
Ashlin
5th Grade
Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
Dear 4th and 5th
graders at Russell Elementary: Greetings from the town of Lavina. We
are pleased you are "virtually" traveling through our little town.
What a great idea! We hope you all enjoy your trip. We will enjoy
watching your progress on the web site. May your trip be fun,
rewarding, and successful.
Sid Boe, Mayor
Lavina, Montana
Note:
Click
here to learn more about Lavina, Montana - including Dr. Bob's Walk
Across America in 2002!
Wow!
What a great inspiring story! I do hope the 4th and 5th graders make
it the entire 15 states. What a great thing if all schools across
America implemented this same program. I would love to start an
after school running program for our local elementary students. Any
suggestions would be great.
Tammera
A Runner From Maine
Can't
wait for you to get to Delaware. We are a small state - so you can
drive from the top to the bottom in about an hour! We are planning a
walk also. Maybe we'll meet along the way!
Pat Guilday
School Nurse at
Pierre S.
duPont Elementary School
Wilmington, Delaware
Note: Ms. Guilday wrote another note to us and stated that her school is
planning a similar program to ours
starting in January
2006. She said, "Wouldn't it
be fun to meet (virtually) somewhere in the middle." We think
that
would be great!
Hi
Kids, I guess last week might be called a "bump in the road." You
can't let it discourage you. I'd like to challenge you, so here's my
suggestion: Can each of you fourth graders do at least 2.5 miles
this week (and those of you who can do more, please do)? And can you
fifth graders each do at least 3 miles this week? If you guys can do
this, you'll make big progress to being back on track. Here in New
Jersey, we just got our first real snow. I like to cross-country ski
when we get some real accumulations. Do any of you do that? I hope I
can meet Mr. Staso in Delaware, but it's up to you guys to make it
happen. Apply yourselves every day and it will happen. Best wishes
and stay warm (by running)!
Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
Mr.
and Mrs. Staso have told me what you students are doing, and I am
thrilled to hear it. Keep up the good work! Add up those miles! Make
my friend, Paul, run across America for real. I know he wants to do
it. You will be accomplishing something no one else has done! And, I
will help support Paul financially, when he runs it this summer.
David Rodli
Missoula, Montana
Hey
guys....This is a really good way to combine physical fitness with a
goal. Some of you might not be good runners now but you never know,
as you grow and develop, you may become a track star. Maybe not, but
this program will certainly keep the cobwebs out of that thing
sitting on your shoulders.
-
dis·ci·pline - noun (plural dis·ci·plines)
Definitions:
1. training to ensure proper behavior: the practice or methods of
teaching and enforcing acceptable patterns of behavior;
2. order and control: a controlled orderly state, especially in a
class of schoolchildren;
3. calm controlled behavior: the ability to behave in a controlled
and calm way even in a difficult or stressful situation;
4. conscious control over lifestyle: mental self-control used in
directing or changing behavior, learning something, or training
for something.
If you learn
discipline at your age, it will serve you well as you grow into
adulthood. Good running!!
Eric Hefty
Missoula, Montana
Way
to go kids! Keep up the good work, its hard to stay active in the
winter time. I am hoping for a visit this summer from Mr. Staso, if
you meet your goal he will be running through my hometown,
Rochester, MN. Keep plugging along!
Bart Hanson
Rochester, Minnesota
I
am so proud of what you are doing. What a healthy activity. Keep up
the hard work.
Debbie
Missoula, Montana
Hey
everyone, I want to cheer you on to keep walking/running. I KNOW you
want to see Mr. Staso actually run your route across the US. You're
awesome! You can do it! Keep up the good work!
Gin Graham
Missoula, Montana
You
guys are doing such a good job. Don't forget that if you can cross
Montana before Christmas break, (December 22 is your last day of
school) there's a pizza party waiting to happen. Be creative in how
you achieve your miles. Get an adult to take you "mall walking",
bundle up and walk outside, use a treadmill if you have one
available, BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER: Check with an adult DO NOT go by
yourself, and be smart and be safe!!!
Diana Sontag
Missoula, Montana
I
am so proud of all of you - what a great project! I know it's harder
now that it's turned cold and snowy, but I have confidence you can
make your goal. Keep up the good work and I'll be there to help you
celebrate when you finish your journey across Montana!!
Jan Bixler
Parent of a 4th
Grade Participant
Missoula, Montana
Hello
Boys and Girls! I'm happy to see that you are going to run through
the winter. I think cold/cool running weather is the best. Running
keeps you toasty warm outdoors. I hope to hear about all of your
adventures. Keep up the good work! My class runs too - all year.
Carol Goodrow
2nd Grade
Teacher, Birch Grove Primary School
Editor -
KidsRunning.com
Tolland, Connecticut
Congratulations
on your achievement so far. You should be very proud of
yourselves! Keep up the great work!
Dawn Hill
4th Grade Teacher,
Rancho Isabella Elementary
Angleton, Texas
I
am encouraged by your willingness to run and walk day after day and
week after week. It was 32 degrees in Fresno this morning when I
got dressed to go outside for MY run, and I "chickened out." I
didn't have time to go out after it warmed up, so I just missed out
for today. After reading about YOUR dedication to the task, I am
much more likely to go out, myself, even if it IS cold. Thank you
for encouraging me, and I hope I am encouraging you, also.
Clora Ann Crum
Retired
Teacher
Fresno, California
Keep
up the great work! You will all make it for sure! Try and
remember that the journey can be as much fun as getting to the
destination! Go Kids Go!
Rich
San Jose, California
Each
Monday I look forward to checking out your progress. You are
getting closer to Miles City where I live now. You are all doing so
well - keep up the good work. I'm anxious to see which group arrives
here first!! Remember to bundle up -- our Eastern Montana
temperatures are pretty cold right now!
Karen Huckins
Former
Librarian at Russell Elementary
Miles City, Montana
Keep
up the running, this is a very worthwhile thing and excellent for
your health. It will be something you can be proud of doing! Go
for it!
Thomas Eagan
Teacher at
Covenant Day School
Charlotte, North Carolina
You
are doing an excellent job. You're really close to your target
pace, and that is admirable. Keep going.
Wanda Wells
4th Grade
Teacher, Conder Elementary
Columbia, South Carolina
Dear
boys and girls, I know how hard it is to walk everyday, but keep
walking/running. It will pay off in the long run. I teach 22
children and I encourage them to walk also. Keep up the good work.
We are pulling for you here in South Carolina.
Doretha Daniels
2nd Grade
Teacher, Bethel-Hanberry Elementary
Blythewood, South Carolina
As
a runner myself, I highly encourage you to continue your goal to
the finish! You are all do great and are almost half way there!
Dress warm in layers and head on out! Good luck to all of you!
Tracy Petrik
1st Grade
Teacher, Lewis Carroll Elementary
Merritt Island, Florida
As
a former 5th grade teacher, I was excited to see this activity.
Fifth graders rock! Give your teachers a great present for the
holidays by meeting or exceeding your goals! You can do it!
Carol W.
Former 5th Grade
Teacher, Botetourt County Schools
Fincastle, Virginia
Keep
up the good work! I know you can complete this. Since it's so
cold there, could you walk the halls instead of outside? We measured
a path of 1 mile in our school hallways for teachers to walk after
school one year and I bet you could do the same at your school.
Don't give up!
Lori
Instructional Materials
Technician, Center Elementary School
Freeport, Illinois
I'm
an elementary counselor and I see many children who would benefit
from this kind of endeavor. Please keep up the good work, which
can be a terrific example to lots of other kids. I'll be sharing
your exciting progress with four schools' fourth and fifth graders.
At one of my schools, there is a running club. They just competed in
the Jingle Bell Run in downtown Peoria, which raises money for the
Arthritis Foundation. They will begin again in the spring and run in
a race that supports our Family House for families with children in
the hospital. You have set the bar for many other such groups and
given them an inspiring example to follow. I'm rooting for all
of you!
Christine Barrow
K-5
Counselor, Dunlap CUSD #323
Peoria, Illinois
You
kids are doing something that few children have every thought about!
Congratulations on making it to the middle of Montana! May you find
strength to continue strong during the cold weather that lies ahead.
You are setting a wonderful example for us adults!
John Bradford
Missoula, Montana
I
try to walk two miles every day, so I know that you can walk 2 miles
each week. I, too, live where it is cold and snowy, so I walk
inside. Did you know that if you march in place at a good pace for
15 minutes, you have walked the equivalent of a mile? Ask your
teachers if doing this will count toward your mileage. You can put
on five fun songs, march in place, and at the end of this, you will
have gone about one mile. Here's something else fun to try--march in
place during the commercials while you are watching TV. Keep track
of the minutes. You will be shocked to learn just how many minutes
of commercials there are! You could also walk two miles while
watching a half hour sit-com. Good luck!
Ann Franzenburg
High School
French Teacher, Benton Community
Van Horne, Iowa
Run,
guys! Good luck to all of you brave souls/soles!
Barbara Bomes
Librarian,
Curtis School Foundation
Los Angeles, California
Wow!
With the temperatures this cold, my students and I are really
cheering you onward ho! Get your johnny hand and feet warmers, your
long underwear, layered mittens, ski masks, and coats! We're betting
that the weather can only dampen your spirits a little bit before
you get right back on pace! We're wishing you the very best this
holiday season! Our thoughts and prayers will be supporting you
also! Think of yourselves as modern-day explorers facing a
difficult, but attainable challenge! Go for the gold!
A High School Teacher
Illinois
Run,
run, run - it will help you to stay warm on these very cold days! I
don't think you ran through Washington. Moses Lake is right on I-90
half way between Spokane and Seattle. Your speech therapist, Mrs.
Thorne, is my sister! I am a UM alumni and love Missoula. Go,
go, go!
Susan Beall
K-5 Longview
School
Moses Lake, Washington
I
am the Mapping / GIS Supervisor for Missoula County so I work with
geography every day. Many years ago I drove this cross country
route. It took four long days! I truly admire your courage and
your determination to take on a task as large as this. Hang in
there. Take it one day at a time and you will accomplish your goal!
If you do, I'll print you a wall map of your route. Good luck!
Doug Burreson
Missoula, Montana
Way
to go Kids. Keep it up!
Julia
YOU
GO KIDS! What a challenging and exciting goal you have set for
yourselves. I bet you all are having fun, getting in shape and
learning many new things about our beautiful USA. Don't give up
even though it's getting cold up there. I'm going to tell the PE
coach at my school about your awesome idea. I hope she coordinates
something like it next year. I can't wait to read about your
progress throughout the next few months!
Mrs. Kelly
Reading Resource
Teacher, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic
Daytona Beach, Florida
Way
to go Russell Elementary School. I am so excited that you have
the Staso's there encouraging you. They are wonderful. Keep walking
and running!
Kerri Fredrickson
Woodinville, Washington
WOW!
You guys are amazing! My daughter is in 4th grade and I think
she would be so excited to try something like this! We are going to
check out your website and follow your progress. I think the biggest
challenge will be these next cold months...but YOU CAN DO IT!!!
I will pray for strength in your hearts and your legs. Don't give
up!!! Go for it! Imagine how great it will feel to say that you ran
all the way across the United States...what a great accomplishment!
Keep up the great work, we'll be watching and cheering you on
from California!
Debbie Haliday
High School
Coach, Hillcrest Christian School
Granada Hills, California
Hey
you guys... Keep it up!!!! You can do it!!!! My sister, Sharon
Hanson, from Missoula, sent us an article that described your
amazing, interesting & challenging endeavor. You are truly
pioneers!!!!! Another approach: Encouragement!!! If you
encourage each other (including the other class) you will be able to
cross the finish line together holding your hands above your head
when you cross the finish line!!!! Get the good feeling that comes
with running and accomplishing something that no class has ever done
before. Keep It Up!!!!! You Can Do It!!!!
Mel Opstad
Big Lake, Minnesota
Keep
up the good work! Your teacher says the temperature there is
below zero! We can't even imagine a temperature like that! Today
it is 70 degrees and windy here and we think it's chilly!
Rick Sheppard
Vice
Principal, Freedom 7 International School
Cocoa Beach, Florida
I
had a friend who had a muscle disease and could not run, or even
walk. She used to watch people and wonder if they knew how wonderful
it was to have a healthy body. I think you students know how
wonderful it is to have a healthy body. Keep the pace! You can do
this!
Laurie Job
High School Math
Teacher, Valley Christian School
Missoula, Montana
Mrs.
Staso will be on the radio on KGVO and KYSS-FM with Craig and
Al during the news...listen in!!
Peter Christian
KGVO Radio
Missoula, Montana
(Note: Mrs. Staso was interviewed by Peter Christian on the
radio - which aired this week. Thanks Peter!!)
I
am SO impressed with your quest to conquer the United States via
your virtual run/walk. Keep adding up those miles. It makes me
proud to see that progress line moving ahead. The entire state of
Montana is cheering for you. We want to see a group of Montana
kids accomplish something no other group has succeeded in doing. Go
for it! We're all cheering for you. Go, Missoula, Montana! (Be
sure to put on a few extra layers of clothing as the thermometer
drops. I can tell you that -24 degrees requires many layers. My dog,
Tucker, became restless waiting for me to don all of my running gear
this morning. But what fun it was after we'd taken the first few
steps!) I might also tell you that I've been running for 35
years. I'll admit that on mornings when it's dark and cold I have
questioned going out for a run. However, I ALWAYS know I've made the
right choice once I'm outside feeling my body moving. Nothing beats
the feeling the rhythm of running creates. Happy Running and Happy
Holidays
Myrna Ryti
Retired
Elementary Teacher
Terry, Montana
Dear
4th and 5th Graders of Russell Elementary: With the cold weather now
upon you, I'll do my best to send some of the warm Texas weather
that we have during the winter up to Montana for your runs and walks
- as long as you continue to do your best to reach your goal of
running/walking across the U.S. Congratulations and Keep Up the
GREAT work!!! We are all very proud of you!!! Best of luck!!
Gerhard Barone
Assistant
Professor, The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas
Great
job so far kids! The toughest part of the journey is ahead, the
newness of the challenge has worn off and the real work begins now!
Keep your eye on the finish line and to achieve you | 
