On Tuesday, May 26, Jackson Middle School's Advancement Via Individual Determination  (AVID) program spearheaded a field day for the Kindergarten students at Colonial Hills. In order to have enough volunteers, the Jackson Peer Assistance Leaders (PALs) collaborated with the AVID students and helped out.

The AVID students were solely responsible for planning and creating the events that each of the kindergarten students would participate in. Some of the events included a kickball tournament, three legged race, a basketball dribble, dress up relay, a sponge sprint, hula hoops, jump ropes, a bubbles station, two craft stations, and a face painting station. During the actual event, AVID students and PALs were paired up with two or three kindergarten students whom they were responsible for taking around to the various stations.

At the completion of each station, the kindergartners received a sticker to place on their name tag.  The AVID students and PALs that were not paired-up with students were in charge of running a station.  The field day ended with all the kindergartners receiving a treat, flavored ice popsicle, on the concourse under the school.
 
"The time proved to be a beneficial experience for both Jackson and Colonial Hills," said Erin Phillips, Jackson teacher. "The seventh- and eighth-graders gained the satisfaction of lending a hand and creating an enjoyable time for someone other than themselves. The kinder kids had a wonderful time and met a new friend and role model. It was quite impressive to see the Jackson kids rise to the occasion and exude a fine level of maturity and commitment."

The Jackson students are still talking about their experience. Many of them have asked if they can have two field days next year. Phillips has also heard them comment on how cute "their" student was and how they hope to see them again.

"Very sweet friendships formed in the short time we were there," said Phllips

When talking with Phillips, Sylvia Hoyer, Colonial Hills assistant principal, said, "As I watched your group of kids with ours, it truly was a great sight to see."