From left, Jennifer Schwalm and her daughter, Hattie, 10, stand in front of the track where Hattie plans to run 25 laps for Knoch Intermediate Elementary School’s Laps for Learning fundraiser. Schwalm helped at the concession stand at the PTO event Tuesday, Sept. 17. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle

CLINTON TWP — After dismissal Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 17, students took to the track at Knoch Intermediate Elementary School to participate in the annual Laps for Learning PTO fundraiser.

Last year, fifth-grade teacher Alana Johnston, who is a parent of two in the district, said the fundraiser — in its 21st year — raised $20,000. The goal Tuesday was to hit $22,000, she said.

The money is used to fund field trips, assemblies, student supplies, positive behavior incentives, the school’s fifth grade celebration, testing, snacks and more.

“Some of these kids may not have access or the ability to go on these awesome field trips without the PTO’s help,” said Johnston, who volunteered at the concession stand.

The total will be counted at a later time, she said, as funds don’t have to be turned in until next week.

More than 200 students participated in the school’s walkathon, parent and former PTO board member Jennifer Schwalm estimated. Her 10-year-old daughter, Hattie, hoped to walk 25 laps with her friend.

Each participant in the walkathon received a lanyard. As students finished a lap, Hattie said volunteers on the track would hole-punch a card carried by the participants

“It gives the kids in Butler County a chance to see things that are not normally part of their life,” Schwalm said about the PTO-funded field trips. “Having a chance to go to the Science Center and … watch a movie about Ireland, or go to the planetarium and see the stars and the moon and the planets brought to life on the ceiling — I think it just really inspires them to see what they can do outside.”

“Learning becomes an adventure,” she said.

As she watched her son on the track with his friends, Kerri Kydek, a parent in the district, said the funded field trips enrich students’ social lives.

“I mean, learning in the classroom is one thing, but learning to socialize outside the classroom, I think that’s a huge part of maturing and growing up as well,” she said.

With his friends, Kydek’s son, Mauro LeDonne, 10, brainstormed field trip ideas — laser tag, a visit to a trampoline park.

“It helps refresh our minds,” Mauro’s friend, Thomas Hoffmann, said.

From left, Mauro LeDonne, 10, Gavin Ferguson, 11, Brody Ohern, 10, Gavin Pittman, 11, and Thomas Hoffmann, 10, take a break before resuming their participation in the Knoch Intermediate Elementary School's Laps for Learning event Tuesday, Sept. 17. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle