Students at Littleton’s Shaker Lane and Russell Street Schools Participate in Virtual Field Days

LITTLETON — Superintendent Kelly Clenchy, Shaker Lane Elementary Principal Michelle Kane and Russell Street Interim Principal Cheryl Temple are pleased to announce that students from both schools have the opportunity to participate in Virtual Field Day events throughout the week.

On Monday, June 15, Shaker Lane and Russell Street schools began their week-long Virtual Field Day. Students at both schools have the whole week to complete as many or as few of the Field Day activities as they are able to fit into their schedule. All students are encouraged to complete the activities outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

“Field Day is one of the more memorable days during the school year and an occasion all of our students look forward to,” said Superintendent Clenchy. “Our staff was adamant about not wanting our students to miss out on this day just because students were not at school. Instead, we decided to bring Field Day to them and allow each student and their family to virtually partake in an array of activities.”

Russell Street School physical education teacher Alexa Carlson, long-term physical education substitute teacher Sydney Wood and Shaker Lane unified arts teacher (Art, Music and Physical Education) Ann Brazinski organized the events and created fun activities students could do alone, with siblings or as a family while at home. First grade teacher Rebecca Roper helped organize the activities matrix for Shaker Lane and was involved in recruiting teachers to make videos for each station.

Before the event, parent letters were sent to inform families of the events and provide a list of possible materials they may wish to begin gathering around their homes for some of the games and activities.

To kick off the first day of activities, both schools created “opening ceremony” videos. Shaker Lane’s video featured teachers and staff passing a torch, similar to what is done at the Olympics, while the Olympics theme song played. The video ended with Principal Kane holding a sign that stated “Let the games begin!” Russell Street also hosted opening ceremonies with a creative video of their own featuring Russell Street teachers.

Virtual Field Day events consist of a list of “minute to win it” activities that are flexible enough for students and families to replicate in their homes. Families are encouraged to be as creative as possible and improvise to make use of items around their home rather than purchasing anything for the activities. Many of the games require minimal or no materials.

Teachers at both schools signed up to host different activities and created video demonstrations for each virtual activity. The video links were uploaded to a matrix board that was shared with families on opening day.

“The teachers and staff at Shaker Lane and Russell Street schools are very grateful for the support they’ve received from parents and families, not just to make the Virtual Field Day possible, but also to make all remote learning possible these last 11 weeks,” said Carlson. “Our hope is that this week-long event will encourage our students to have fun, be creative and enjoy some time outside.”

Families are invited to share any videos or photos of students participating in this year’s Virtual Field Day. Those who wish to submit videos or photos should do so by Friday, June 19. 

Submitted photos and video clips will be compiled by staff into a slideshow that will be available to view on the last day of school, Monday, June 22.

“All of our activities are family-friendly and meant to engage our students using as little materials as possible,” Brazinski said. “While this may not be the Field Day we all envisioned, we look forward to seeing our students enjoy these activities and share their experiences with the school community.”

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