For the past 8 months
I've watched you run and walk each week, determined to reach the
finish line at the Atlantic Ocean. This week, the 5th grade class
did it! We are still cheering the 4th grade class on and look
forward to the day (coming soon) that they will also complete the
trek! Because the 5th grade class completed the journey by the
last day of the school year, I will now run their route across
America beginning June 23... for real. I am very proud of each
and every student who has been a part of this amazing challenge.
There have been many difficult days along the way, including:
freezing temperatures, tired bodies, discouragement, and more.
However, the 5th grade class has persevered to the finish line and
has become the first individual elementary class to ever complete a
virtual trek across the entire United States in one school year.
That is quite an accomplishment for 41 students! It equates to an
average of 78 miles per child, or the equivalent of 3 marathon
distances, within 8 months. That's great for a bunch of 11 year
olds! I will never forget watching the 5th graders cross the finish
line on April 25, with the local television and news paper reporters
on sight to capture the moment. There was so much excitement in the
air... and silly string! I truly appreciate the 5th grade teachers
(Mr. Creighton and Mrs. Kuchel) for encouraging the 5th graders
throughout the school year. The extra class walks that they
initiated truly helped the students to stay ahead of pace. Also,
none of this would have been possible without my wife, Vicki, who is
the P.E. teacher at Russell Elementary. She has done an amazing job
at keeping the kids focused on the goal. I also appreciate the
tireless and creative efforts of Stacey Rossmiller, Diana Sontag and
Martha Robertson... three women who have made this experience truly
wonderful. Throughout the year people have watched this trek via
this web site and there have been notes of encouragement submitted
each week from kids, parents, teachers, coaches, and so many others.
I never imagined that this "virtual trek" would gain such attention
and I am so happy that the 4th and 5th grade students at Russell
Elementary School have been such an encouragement to so many people
around the world. My daughter, Ashlin, and I created this curriculum
to impact the lives of 96 students at her school. However, our
little project has impacted the lives of so many people in so many
different locations! That's awesome, and we're amazed and filled
with satisfaction. Congratulations 5th graders and keep on
running/walking 4th graders! I want the 4th grade class to keep a
quote in mind. It is by Manuel Diotte: "Winning isn't always
finishing first. Sometimes winning is just finishing.” You are all
winners!
Paul Staso
P.A.C.E. Run 2006
-
www.pacerun.com
Missoula, Montana
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I
think most of you know that I ran in the Boston Marathon last week.
Unfortunately, I had a difficult race. Often it's the hard things
that teach you the good lessons, and I think that was the case there
with me. I'd like to thank those of you who wished me well at
Boston, your words helped lift my spirits at times. I'm starting to
feel pretty comfortable that BOTH classes will complete the trek. I
sort of wish that if you complete it, you could take the ferry from
Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ and run through my state! (I don't know if
that would be allowed, and I expect that Mr. Staso wouldn't be
expected to complete it, even if you guys did that.) Now would be
a good time to start to think about what you have learned on your
trek. Keep moving forward!
Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
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The
4th and 5th Grade classes at Russell Elementary School are indeed
inspirations to all of us!! What a thrill to check back in with
you and find that you have persevered and WILL ACHIEVE your goal in
June if not before. Congratulations on your efforts and for setting
such high standards for all students, both academically and
physically. GREAT JOB AND CONGRATULATIONS! Fantastic job to Mr. and
Mrs. Staso as well!
Tracy (Bourn) Henderson
Castro Valley, California
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Way
to go kids - Soon you will be seeing the Atlantic Ocean. What a
wonderful accomplishment to be a part of. I'm very proud of all of
you.
Karen Huckins
Former
Librarian at Russell Elementary School
Miles City, Montana
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All of the 4th and
5th graders are so very special. The goal is close at hand and every
one is very proud of your accomplishments. BE PROUD OF
YOURSELVES, TEACHERS, SCHOOL. This is a very special day in
Missoula, Montana. CONGRATULATIONS! 5th Grade. Keep running to your
goal 4th grade.
Ann Denzer
Tacoma, Washington
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OUTTA SIGHT 5TH
GRADE!!!!! You guys gained your momentum at the first of the year
and never looked back!!! Keep on walking/running so you can run
with Mr. Staso when he comes through Missoula on his own journey!
WAY TO MAKE HISTORY!!!!
Stacey Rossmiller
Missoula, Montana
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Fourth grade, I know
you can geter done!!!!!
Matthew
Run/Walk Across
America Finisher
5th Grade Class - Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
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Way to go, 5th
graders!! You and the 4th graders are being cheered on from down in
California! I know Mr. and Mrs. Staso and am so proud of what they,
and you, have accomplished! Keep up the good work and now enjoy
seeing Mr. Staso run across America!
Pastor Jana Schofield
San Luis Obispo, California
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Paul & Vicki,
Congratulations on the tracking & keeping them interested until they
got across the U.S.!! What a creative and inspiring undertaking
with all the benefits of learning while they were doing it. It took
dedication and perseverance on your part to make the the dream a
reality. Great Work!
Mel Opstad
Big Lake, Minnesota
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YOU DID IT! YOU DID
IT! YOU DID IT! CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU did it and nobody can
take it away from you...YOU OWN IN...enjoy!!! In Joy...
Patti Catalano Dillon
New London, Connecticut
_________________________________________________________________________________________
You ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Way to go! Hope you had a great TREK. It was fun to follow
and now just get those 4th graders in and let the entire school be
successful.
Angie
Parent of a Russell
Elementary 5th Grade Finisher
Missoula, Montana
_________________________________________________________________________________________
WAY TO GO FIFTH
GRADERS!! I am so proud of you for finishing your virtual journey!
This is a huge accomplishment for all of you! I wish I could
have been with you at the finish line! Fourth graders, I know you
will be reaching the Atlantic very soon! I know all of you will
remember this adventure for a long time, and I hope you will
continue walking and running throughout your lives!!
Jan Bixler
Missoula, Montana
_________________________________________________________________________________________
A personal note to
Paul and Vicki. I have so enjoyed this run across America with the
Russell Students. The changes I have seen in the students since the
start is so great. The growth, physical changes, and friendships
that I have seen develop, the positive comments from Mike Creighton
about the changes he has seen in his classroom setting. The list
goes on and on! As a former Trustee of District One I am so proud of
Vicki and very thankful we have her in our District. Especially
teaching my grandchildren. I look forward to having Kaytlin be one
of her students. We will be watching Paul on his run. Russell
4th and 5th graders are the best. Thank you so much for giving
these kids a wonderful grade school memory. Hopefully it will carry
on to Meadow Hill.
Irene Hiller
Missoula, Montana
_________________________________________________________________________________________
I'm so impressed by
the fact that the 5th graders have finished, and am rooting for the
4th graders. I know you'll do it! I'll be following Mr. Staso this
summer, and will spread the word about the t-shirts and sweatshirts
to help raise some money. Way to go! You're all an inspiration!
Jo Crawford
Arlee, Montana
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Go 4th Grade
Class! You can do it!! Way to go 5th graders!
Craig
7th Grade Student -
Briarhill Middle School
Highland Village, Texas
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HEY kids what an
awesome job you've done! It is soooo very cool to see kids doing
such wonderful things! As your signs said YOU SO ROCK!
Leslie
Missoula, Montana
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You can do it fourth
grade!!!!!! GO FOURTH GRADE!!!!!!!! RUN,RUN,RUN!!!
Julie
Gym Coach
Mississippi
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3,200 cheers for an
amazing job well done 5th Graders! I know the 4th Graders are hot
on your trail and will finish in grand style soon themselves. I
finished my run across the United States 1 year and 3 months ago and
remember the feeling well. Congratulations once more and someday
perhaps one of you will be running for real inspired by another
Elementary School running and walking virtually.
John Wallace III
Seattle, Washington
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