On Tuesday, Oct. 25, Puyallup School District (PSD) elementary schools hosted the 15th Annual Marge Salmon Math Relay Games for over 1,700 5th and 6th grade students at Sparks Stadium.
The event is held in honor of longtime PSD Teacher Marge Salmon, who retired in 2011. Along with the elementary students, the event's volunteers included the Kalles Junior High Leadership Students and PSD parents, principals, and district leaders, including Superintendent Dr. John Polm.
The competition featured students competing in teams doing math problems and physical activities in a relay format. Stations were set up where volunteers presented the students with math problems that they had to correctly answer before moving to the next station. Students had to then perform physical activities, such as obstacle courses, jumping through hula hoops, jumping jacks and jump rope on their way to the next stations.
The event's organizer, Dessie F. Evans and Brouillet Elementary P.E. Specialist Greg Farias, says having fun and honoring Marge Salmon always remains the event’s number one goal.
"Everyone working together has made this event a one of its kind fitness and math activity not only in Puyallup, but in the State of Washington," Farias said.
Fruitland Elementary 6th grade student Joshua said the event feels like P.E. coming into the classroom.
"I'm pretty athletic, so I like to go all out," Joshua said. "Mixing math problems with the running and competitions is fun."
Sunrise Elementary 5th grade student Madelyn says it's a fun way to keep students engaged.
"It's fun because I like doing jumping jacks and jump rope," Madelyn said. "I hope to see more events like this in the future."
During the event, parents and guardians were in the bleachers cheering on the students, including two from Sunrise, who said the event is a great way to combine motor and physical activity.
"It's good to see them all (the students) moving and having fun together," one parent said. "It's important to build mental skills while being active."