By Howard Stribbell, Head of School
When you have been here as long as I have, you sometimes forget about why we do certain things or particular events. For example, we’ve come a long ways since our first TIS Walkathon. When it first started, the walkathon provided much needed funds to purchase resources for classrooms and bring special events and speakers to the school. With low enrollment and a fledgling TISPA, these funds were highly prized. Today, with much higher enrollment and a very active TISPA, we can focus less on the fundraising aspect of the walkathon. Does that mean we should stop the walkathon?
The past walkathon, I spent the whole time talking to students as we walked around the track. I saw students challenging one another, encouraging each other to keep going, cheering each other on and helping each other up if someone fell down. I saw a lot of sweaty and tired kids with great big smiles! I saw parents cheering and snapping photos like it was the finish line of a marathon! For me, this is what the TIS Walkathon is all about – a simple event where we are challenged both individually and as classes, grades and the overall school community. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our TIS Tiger pride!
Are you ready for another challenge? On Sunday, October 27, TIS will participate in the Run of Hope to raise funds for cancer research and a local orphanage. Starting at 9 am, registrants will participate in the 3 km Family Walk or the 5 km Run. There’s even a warm-up at 8:45 a.m. to get you ready. Can’t walk or run? How about volunteering? Over 40 TIS volunteers will be assisting with the event. Afterwards, we will enjoy a great brunch complete with games and activities for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing many of staff, students and parents walking, running, volunteering and cheering on Sunday! Let’s go Tigers!