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For the past 8 years, the walk-a-thon (or, “Walkapalooza”) has been our student-based fundraiser. It has thrived, but this year we thought we’d break from tradition and create a new opportunity embodying interests for a broader base.
Introducing the BRIDGES DECATHLON! WHY A DECATHLON? As our student body grows, the interaction between students across all grade levels becomes more challenging. We have been looking for ways to strengthen the student community and provide opportunities for students from different divisions to develop relationships, practice social skills, and practice teamwork. By having a variety of events on campus during school hours, it becomes a fully inclusive event for all students. Another goal is to encourage physical exercise. Understanding that our student body has differing attitudes toward “traditional sports” or even physical activities in general, we are adopting a 2e approach to what some of us may have experienced in a typical school Field Day. The Decathlon is comprised of 10 non-traditional events, playing to different strengths and encouraging teamwork. The events are designed with Bridges kids in mind. Most events are a twist on traditional games, designed to put all students on more equal footing, while also being fun. Students are encouraged to participate in as many events as they would like and push out of their comfort zone in a safe space. The more participation from teammates, the better chance a team will have to win the Grand Prize! COMMUNITY PARTICIPATIONThe Decathlon needs your help! Take an afternoon off and join the community-building event! It’s a perfect way to watch your kid in action without completely embarrassing them. Click here to volunteer:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c49a5ac28a4f58-bridges4 2019 Event Details
There will also be activities for kids who need some downtime, including: •Giant Jenga •Blackjack with huge playing cards •Giant Kerplunk •Free Throws •Giant Yahtzee HOW THE DECATHLON WORKS There will be 15 teams, each comprised of Phoenix, middle, and high school students, with three faculty members (one from each division) shepherding the teams from station to station. High schoolers will serve as team captains responsible for encouraging, managing, and motivating their teams to victory! The division directors have worked together to thoughtfully form the teams which will be announced during an all-school assembly on Thursday 1/31. Teams will meet weekly leading up to the event to create team names, practice events, and get to know each other. The day of the Decathlon will start off as any other day, then students will lunch with their teams — and let the games begin! All events are on campus, mostly outdoors. Water will be available for free. Gatorade and snacks will be available to purchase during the event. Have questions? Email decathlon@bridges.edu 
AWARDS
Teams will earn points as they rotate through the events, and the teams with the most overall points will win gold, silver, and bronze medals. We will recognize everyone’s achievements during a closing ceremony at the end of the day. There are many opportunities to win! 1st-Place Team (highest cumulative score of all events): Gold medals Team name on a trophy that will be displayed in the gymnasium trophy case all year Grand Prize — choice of team celebration: go-karts, escape room, off-campus lunch, etc. 2nd-Place Team: Silver medals 3rd-Place Team: Bronze medals Spirit of Bridges Team Award: This team embodies the most teamwork, sportsmanship, positive attitude, and willingness to push out of their comfort zone Phoenix Spirit of Bridges: The Phoenix individual who pushes out of his/her comfort zone and puts forth solid effort with a great attitude, regardless of outcome Middle School Spirit of Bridges: The middle school individual who pushes out of his/her comfort zone and puts forth solid effort with a great attitude, regardless of outcome High School Spirit of Bridges: The high school individual who pushes out of his/her comfort zone and puts forth solid effort with a great attitude, regardless of outcome Top Fundraising Team: The team who raises the most money will receive a Grand Prize — a choice of team celebration: go-karts, escape room, off-campus lunch, etc. Top Fundraising Individual: The individual who raises the most money will receive a trophy and prize Best Website Design: The individual with the most creative website will win a trophy and prize FUNDRAISING DETAILS
Students can customize their own website with photos and videos using our online fundraising tool, making it easy and fun to reach out to friends and family across the globe. Donations are given online, and students can track the progress vs the other teams and individuals. Fundraising is an important element of the Decathlon and we hope students will join the effort. Students can earn prizes for raising money. However, THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DECATHLON. GIFT CARD PRIZES FOR STUDENTS: $250 raised = $25 gift card; $500 raised = $50 gift card; $1,000 raised = $100 gift card. Students may choose Amazon, Apple iTunes, Steam, or Game Stop. FUNDRAISING GOALS $3,000 per team $250 per individual Every individual who reaches the $250 goal gets a prize Every team that reaches the $3,000 goal gets a prize To get started, go to the Decathlon home page on CrowdRise •Click JOIN. •Click JOIN A TEAM •Choose your team color/name from the list of teams •Click JOIN •Customize and share! Create your website now! PARENTS – JOIN THE FUN!
We have plenty of volunteer opportunities available. Take the afternoon off and enjoy supporting the whole student body for this unique and fun day. Sign-up information to come soon! E-mail us any questions or concerns: decathlon@bridges.edu |
