A Great Track + Field Day!

The weather was overcast and relatively cool last Wednesday (5/23); in other words, it was a perfect day for the annual Lower School Track and Field Day. A few years ago, rain forced us to cancel Track and Field Day. Showers earlier in the week, plus the threat of rain mid-day, has us worried on the morning of the 23rd. However, the day could not have progressed any better. Under the skillful direction of PE teachers Brett Porter and Stacey Krebs, all events, activities, races, and games happened on schedule and without a hitch--quite an accomplishment given that we had over 390 students (across six grade levels) participating on three different fields! My personal favorite race to watch is the "long run," a two-lap trek around the Lower School Field. The field is about two-thirds of the size of a football field, so I estimate the race to be about 3/8 of a mile. Despite the teachers' warnings, some runners run the first lap much too fast and tire out, only to be caught from behind in the final stretch by the runner who paced him/herself. Pacing oneself is actually a great "life lesson" to learn! In honor of faculty member Mike Paul, who is retiring after 36 years of excellent service to Calvert, all the students wore Calvert-issued t-shirts (color coordinated by grade level) that read "Thank you, Mr. Paul" on the back. It was a wonderful day to honor Mr. Paul (my 9th Age teacher) and to promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition. Many thanks to the dozens of teachers and staff members--plus the entire 7th grade--who assisted our Lower Schoolers throughout the morning on a glorious Track and Field Day!