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Schools

It's a day fit for fun

The afternoon of activities - and a chance to claim victory over teachers - ends a busy testing season.

By MICHELE MILLER
Published April 11, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Julia Kumari Drapkin] Seven Oaks students pull for all it's worth during a tug of war, probably the most favorite field day event. Field day at Fox Hollow Elementary is a time of fun and playful competition, with a touch of aloha.

WESLEY CHAPEL

Nicholas Santiago, dressed in navy and orange Nike garb, tore across the basketball court at Seven Oaks Elementary School as the theme to SpongeBob SquarePants played in the background.

On his mind?

Being one of the first to get to the water balloon tossing event where the object is not to break the balloon. But if perchance that pink balloon slips through your hands and splatters all over? Not to worry - even if physical education teacher Will Stier has blisters on his hands from filling and tying 500 of those pastel-colored water balloons that will soon be history.

"No pain, no gain," said Stier, with a grin. "It's all for the kids."

Besides, bursting those balloons is just a delightful perk - one that offers a sprinkle of cool relief on a sweltering spring afternoon where sunscreen is slathered on and coolers filled with ice water are strategically placed throughout the athletic area so no one gets overheated.

Field day in Pasco County elementary schools is one of those annual rites of spring. Forget the daffodils and the fabled April showers. Here in Florida it's about promoting physical fitness, getting the kids active and giving a reward of sorts, for making it to the other side of standardized testing, said Taryn Neale, the physical education teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary.

It also enhances a yearlong curriculum that teaches youngsters about the importance of making healthy choices. And, of course, it's about having fun.

"The kids love it - especially now when we're coming to the end of the year and after FCAT," said Neale. "It helps them get their jitters out."

And gives them a chance, perhaps, to show some true grit.

Take tug of war - probably the most favorite in a list of events that includes the scooter relay, sponge relay, limbo and 50-yard dash.

"Come on, pull harder!" hollered second-grader Paul Niccum as he flexed his muscles and cheered on his classmates.

Paul, along with his friends, Jeffrey Britto, Ronald Rojas, Brandon Gil and Fernando Alicia, lined up, time after time for another shot at showing their strength, never bothering with any of the other events.

"We like tug of war," said Paul.

Especially when you and a passel of primary students get a chance to face off against P.E. teachers Mike Nellany and Stier.

To the delight of Paul, his friends and the rest, the kids won that one.

"We were outnumbered," said a good-natured Nellany. "But I guess we're not as strong as we think we are."

[Last modified April 11, 2007, 07:37:11]