  This
journal entry was written December 3. This entry is longer than usual
and I hope that you take the time to read it. Every weekend, I (Paul
Staso) write the weekly journal entry where I get to
share details about the virtual trek that these remarkable students
have had over the past 7 days. They have just completed their 13th
week of running/walking across America, and they have 26 weeks
remaining in the school year. Over the course
of the past 13 weeks both classes have completed the states of Oregon,
Washington and Idaho - and are currently just over halfway across
Montana. The 40 participating 5th graders have completed
over 900 miles of the 3,200-mile trek, and the 55 participating 4th
graders have also conquered over 900 miles. On our "About" page
we share that our research has shown that no individual class has
completed the entire distance across the United States in one school
year. We believe that the 4th and 5th grade students at Russell
Elementary School have both the individual and team perseverance to
complete the journey by June 9, 2006.
While it
is true that the 4th grade class is currently 38 miles behind pace and
the 5th grade class is 49 miles behind pace, we are regularly
encouraging them to succeed in this virtual trek. Before writing more,
I want to thank each and every person that
has taken the time to write a note of encouragement, send a postcard
or small item, mail a handwritten letter of support, and who have
contributed in creating class celebrations when the students have
completed a state. Those items have truly been fuel that have helped
to keep these students moving forward.
However, the
encouragement required to complete such a large task needs to come
from various sources - not primarily just the organizers, the students'
classroom teachers, and individuals on the school's PTA.
The kids really need consistent support from their
parents; from their relatives; from other teachers and para-educators
at Russell Elementary and other area schools; people within the Missoula community; and, from
those who visit this web site and find time to write us questions as
to how to organize their own virtual trek.
In
short, these students need to know that people believe in them
individually and as a class, support their efforts toward greater
fitness, and appreciate the wonderful example that they are setting
for students across the United States.
Hundreds of
people visit this web site weekly, but only
1% of all visitors take time to write a note of encouragement
(even though our
visitor log statistics show that the average visitor stays on the site
for about 5 minutes). If each visitor could take just 1 minute to write
a brief note of support, we could truly show the students just how
many people are watching their progress and cheering them on. It's
easy to do. Just click on the "Encourage" link in the main menu above!
If you feel more comfortable mailing or delivering your note of
encouragement, you can direct it to: Mrs. Vicki Staso, Russell
Elementary School, 3216 Russell St., Missoula, Montana 59801. Even if
you've already encouraged the kids before, please feel welcomed to do
it again!
 I
realize that this is the holiday season and that gifts need to be
purchased, errands run, meals planned, travel arrangements made,
relatives to entertain, and so much more that comes with the busyness
of the Christmas season. I'm just asking for you to take one minute to
send a note of encouragement that will be shared
with 95 children who are giving a lot of energy for a positive
purpose. Now that's a gift you can freely give!
Each
week we hear from schools across the nation who have learned of this
Run/Walk Across America curriculum and request information on creating
a similar trek in their schools. This program
was initially designed to impact the lives of the 4th and 5th grade
students at Russell Elementary. However, it has had a ripple effect
and is changing lives across the country. Teachers and
students have been inspired, and inspiration can lead to wonderful
things. We are nearly 1/3rd of the way done with this journey, and over
2,000 miles and 11 states are still ahead of us. The road in front of the students is
paved with learning opportunities... not only about the places they
will "virtually" visit, but they will also learn about their own
personal fitness abilities, character, and what is possible both
individually and as a team when you focus on a goal.
 When my
daughter, Ashlin, and I came up with the idea of this curriculum in
June of this past summer, we had no idea that
it would develop into a journey where people from across the United
States, Europe and Africa would be watching it unfold each week.
That is precisely what has happened. The students are currently
approaching Lavina, Montana and I'm guessing that most of the people
who are reading this have never even heard of
Lavina.
That's one of the neat things about this site. You can learn about
places that form the heartland of America. We live in a country built
on sacrifice and dedication. Those are attributes that I see
developing in these young school children who are aiming to complete
this enormous task of virtually crossing our homeland. It is a
once-in-a-lifetime journey. Hopefully, it will be something that they
will always remember from their elementary years... and perhaps it
will lay a foundation toward a lifetime of fitness. You see,
just as the kids are focused on reaching
Delaware by June 2006, we as organizers are focused on giving them an
opportunity to conquer their individual fitness barriers and to
advance their abilities in physical fitness - while at the same time
having fun and learning about America. It is a
cross-curricular program and one that I wish all students could
experience.
Thank
you for taking the time to read this entry. The students did not
run/walk in P.E. this week due to their current three-week gymnastics
unit. They truly need to do some running/walking outside of school
hours in order to stay on pace through the holidays. Now is the time when their
individual efforts will truly contribute to the overall team goal. It
will require a commitment by each student to try and log 2 miles per
week and to turn in their mileage slips signed by their parents or
guardians. Again, we as organizers can only do so much in encouraging
them. If you're reading this, they need
your encouragement now.
Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season!
With Appreciation,
Paul Staso
Take a look at the
forecasted temperatures for this coming week in Missoula and you'll
see why these kids need support!
Unfortunately, the
4th and 5th graders did
not receive any words of encouragement this week.
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