jog-a-thon

 MARCH 6, 2026

  

 

Let’s Unleash Our Inner Superheroes And Power Up Alderwood! ðŸŒŸ

 

 

Let’s rock our Jog-A-Thon and create unforgettable memories for our kids. Every lap completed and every dollar raised directly benefits every student at Alderwood this school year. Your generosity helps the PTA fund educational programs, enrichment opportunities, and school-wide events that make a real difference.

 

 

Every Contribution Brings Us Closer to $100,000! 

 

We Need a Superhero Like YOU!

 

Scan the QR code or click here to power up our Jog-A-Thon with a donation!

 

 

 

 

Family Information Page

How Your Support Makes a Difference!

Welcome to Alderwood's Jog-A-Thon information page.

 

This section is designed to answer common questions and give families one place to find everything they need to know about Jog-A-Thon, including why we fundraise, where funds go, event logistics, and how to participate or volunteer.

 

 

WHAT IS JOG-A-THON?

 

Jog-A-Thon is a school-wide run where students go outside with their class and move together. Some kids run fast. Some jog. Some walk. Everyone participates and everyone is celebrated.

 

At the same time, it is our biggest fundraiser of the year. The money raised supports student programs all year long.

 

Families help by registering students, sharing donation links with friends and family, and volunteering if they are able. All students participate in the event, regardless if it is a family/student fundraiser or not. 

 

 

 

 

WHY DOES THE PTA NEED TO RAISE $100,000?

 

 

https://iusd.org/about/our-district/legislative-priorities

https://iusd.org/sites/default/files/documents/2025-26%20Adopted%20Budget_web.pdf  (page 73)

 

Public schools receive funding from state and federal sources, but Irvine Unified receives less funding per student than many districts.

In simple terms:

 

  • IUSD receives $5,419 less funding per student than the national average

  • IUSD also receives $2,789 less funding per student than the state average 

  • While the average per student funding at IUSD is $11,861, Alderwood Elementary receives $7,153 per student. 

  • This creates a funding gap that local schools must help fill

 

Because of this gap, PTA fundraising helps pay for programs that are not fully covered by basic school funding, including field trips, assemblies, enrichment programs, and student support services.

 

Our goal of $100,000 helps make sure every Alderwood student has access to these experiences.

 

 

WHERE DOES MY 2025-2026 DONATIONS ACTUALLY GO?

 

We’re committed to transparency here’s how your generous contributions support Alderwood students this year:

 

Classroom Supplies ($22,000)

More Information coming soon!

 

Field Trips and Onsite Learning Experiences ($46,000)

This covers the cost of bringing educational experiences to students, either by taking students off campus on buses to learning locations (“field trips”) OR bringing educational programs onto campus during the school day (“onsite learning experiences”, sometimes referred to as “assemblies”)

 

Alderwood Field Trip Locations for the 2025–26 School Year

Memories Made & Adventures Ahead

 
  • PK — Pretend City
  • Kindergarten — Tanaka Farms
  • 1st Grade — Discovery Cube (Ocean programs)
  • 2nd Grade — Environmental Nature Center
  • 3rd Grade — The Nature Reserve
  • 4th Grade — Mission San Juan Capistrano
  • 5th Grade — Ocean Institute
  • 6th Grade — Bowers Museum

What this actually pays for:

 
  • Buses (Transportation)
  • Insurance
  • Admission tickets
  • Program fees

 

Alderwood Assemblies for the 2025–26 School Year

Memories Made & Adventures Ahead: 

 
  • PK — Best Bubble Parties Science Program
  • 1st Grade — Segerstrom Center Performance (3 Little Pigs Program)
  • 2nd Grade — Pacific Animal Productions
  • 3rd Grade — Aquarium of the Pacific Program
  • 4th Grade — Julian Mining Company Educational Program
  • 5th Grade — American Revolution Walk Through Program
  • 6th Grade — Ancient Civilizations Walk Through Program

 

 

All Grade Assemblies:

  • Imagination Machine Performance
  • Hagermania Science Assembly

 

 

What this actually pays for:

  • Assembly program fees

  • Performer or educator costs

  • Equipment or setup costs, if require

 

 

 

 

 

STEAM iLab Supplies ($6,500)

STEAM iLab is a hands-on learning program where students learn Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math by working together to build, test, and solve real-world problems, not just worksheets.

 

Students collaborate, share ideas, and practice teamwork and problem-solving, helping them bond with classmates while learning through creativity and exploration.

 

STEAM iLab is offered to 1st through 6th grade.

 

 

  

 What this supports:

 
  • Building materials for team-based engineering challenges
  • Robotics kits and technology tools used in collaborative projects
  • Science experiment materials designed for group learning
  • Project-based learning materials that promote teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving

 

PBIS Incentives ($6,500) 

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) rewards students for positive behavior like kindness, sharing, helping, and being patient. At Alderwood, we teach and celebrate our SHINE expectations:

 

S - Show Respect

H - Help Others

I - Include All

N - Never Give Up

E - Ensure Safety

 

Students earn Owl Star Tickets when they SHINE, and they get to visit the PBIS Cart in the front office! It’s a fun way to celebrate positive choices and teamwork.

 

 

PE and Library Refresh ($5,000)

Physical Education (PE)

 

Physical Education equipment is essential for all of Alderwood students each year. Over time, PE equipment can wear out or become unsafe, so keeping it in good condition ensures that every student can fully participate, stay active, and build teamwork and healthy habits.

  • Sports balls
  • Cones and field markers
  • Fitness equipment
  • Replacement equipment when things break or wear out

 

Library Resources

 

Library books, especially in subjects like science and technology, can become damaged or outdated over time. Providing current, engaging books ensures that all students have equal access to accurate, relevant learning materials, supporting curiosity, exploration, and a love of lifelong learning.

 

  • New books to replace worn or damaged books

  • Updated nonfiction books with current information

  • New popular titles students want to read

  • Books that reflect many cultures and experiences

  

 

 

Mental Health Assistance ($6,500)

Thanks to your participation, we are able to provide full-time mental health support at Alderwood. This program helps students build emotional resilience, develop coping skills, and stay focused so they can thrive and learn at school.

 

 

Outdoor Ed Scholarship ($2,000)

Outdoor Education (“Outdoor Ed”)  is a 6th grade learning trip, typically overnight, where students learn teamwork and independence through outdoor learning experiences.

 

Outdoor Ed Scholarships help make sure the trip is accessible to all 6th grade students so the entire class can share the experience together. These funds help support participation when needed, alongside the separate fundraising efforts by the 6th graders.

 

What this actually pays for:

 

  • Partial or full cost support for students needing financial help

  

6th Grade Promotion ($2,000)

6th Grade Promotion supports end of year recognition and celebration activities for graduating 6th grade students as they transition to middle school.

 

What this actually pays for:

 

  • Promotion ceremony setup supplies (decorations, signage, stage or event materials)

  • Printed materials such as programs, certificates, or recognition items

  • Student recognition items or keepsakes

  • Event supplies used for 6th grade end of year activities

  • Audio or event support materials, if needed

 

Grade Ambassador Program ($5,000)

The Grade Ambassador Program supports grade level community building activities organized by parent volunteers. These are optional, outside of school social gatherings that help families and students connect with others in their grade beyond quick drop off and pick up interactions.

 

These events are parent volunteer led and may look different for each grade depending on interest and availability. PTA funding helps make it easier for volunteers to host simple, welcoming events when families want them.

 

What this actually pays for:

 

  • General event supplies for grade level gatherings

  • Materials for student activities during events

  • Shared snacks or food when provided for the group

 

Teacher Appreciation ($8,000)

Teacher Appreciation supports schoolwide efforts to recognize and thank the teachers and staff who work directly with students every day. Each year, a dedicated volunteer committee, TASAW (Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week Committee), plans and organizes activities to celebrate the entire staff, including teachers, aides, office staff, and support personnel. These coordinated efforts ensure that everyone who helps our students succeed feels valued and appreciated.

 
  • First Day of School Lunch – a special welcome for all staff to start the year off right
  • Holiday Lunch – a festive meal to celebrate the season and show appreciation
  • TASAW Celebration – meals or food events during Staff Appreciation Week
  • End-of-year coffee or treats for staff (if budget allows)

 

Operational Expenses ($11,000)

At Alderwood, our PTA works behind the scenes to make sure all programs, fundraisers, and school events run safely, smoothly, and successfully. These operational expenses ensure that families can easily access information, register for events, make donations, and fully participate in school activities without complications.

 

What this actually pays for:

 
  • Insurance required for Alderwood PTA events and activities
  • PTA software and communication tools to keep Alderwood families informed and connected
  • Website or digital platform costs for event registration and information sharing
  • Payment processing or fundraising platform fees to securely handle donations
  • Event infrastructure costs such as permits, service fees, or other necessary logistics for Alderwood events

 

 

 

WHEN IS JOG-A-THON? WHAT ARE THE RUN TIMES FOR EACH GRADE?

Jog-A-Thon is on Friday, March 6, 2026. In case of rain, our back-up date is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026. 

 

Please refer to the flyer below for specific run times for each grade.

 

 

 

WHAT DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING TO JOG-A-THON?

  • Comfortable running shoes

  • Water bottle (labeled with name please)

Extra water will be available if needed.

 

 

HOW CAN I  VOLUNTEER OR CONTRIBUTE?

We need parent volunteers to help with the Jog-A-Thon! SIGN UP HERE OR SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW!

 

 

Day Of Jog-A-Thon

To help with your child’s class on the day of Jog-A-Thon, please contact your ROOM PARENT. Here’s what we need help with:

 

  • We need a volunteer to donate popsicles for the entire classroom and bring them to school in a cooler just before the run (Please coordinate with your room parent)

  • Setup and cleanup

  • Handing out popsicles

  • Sticking bibs onto shirts

 

If you are volunteering on the day of Jog-A-Thon, please:

 
  • Every volunteer is required to complete the IUSD Raptor registration form every new school year. You can do so by clicking here: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MTU5OmVuLVVT
  • Stop by the front office prior to the event and bring your ID if it’s your first time volunteering this year to save time.
  • Arrive about 20 minutes before your child’s run and check in at the front office if you are volunteering in your child’s classroom before the Jog-A-Thon and plan to stay 10–15 minutes after.

Not Volunteering? No Check-In Needed!

 

 

WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact this year’s Jog-A-Thon Committee, Jill Artino or Mahsheed Hosseini, at Jogathon@alderwoodpta.com.