Walk-a-Thon FAQ

What is Walk-a-Thon?

• The Walk-a-Thon is GMS’s biggest fundraiser! It is held every-other-year and all families are encouraged to gather donations in honor of their student walking 2-miles around the school. Funds raised from the Walk-a-Thon help provide field trips, assemblies, and outdoor education day. 

When is Walk-a-thon?

• Friday, September 29th, from 10:00-3:00 at GMS

How do I know when my child walks?

What if it rains or is cold?

• The Walk-a-Thon is a rain or shine event.  Students should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.  If it is cold, students are encouraged to wear layers.  They will be given their class Walk-a-Thon t-shirt the morning of the walk, to put over their clothes.

Will my student need a water bottle?

• Yes! Please make sure to send a water bottle to school with your child, so they can bring it with them when it is their time to walk.

Do you still need help? How can I sign up to volunteer?

• We need volunteers in order to support the Color Portion and Safety of this event. If you are planning to walk with your child, we ask that you also volunteer for a shift.  We must have all spots filled!  We need adults to keep the students safe, throw the color powder and cheer them on! The Sign up genius is located here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FAAAA2BABFA7-2023#/

If I volunteer, can I still walk with my student?

• We have asked for 2-3 volunteers at each station. One may step away temporarily to walk with their child if they’d like!  It’s worth mentioning that some older students tend to run the whole course, and others don’t want their parents to walk with them.  You are not required to walk with your students, but you can if you would like to!
• If you plan to walk with your student, please do NOT sign up for a station that is throwing color.

A friend and I would like to split a shift, is that ok?

• Yes! As long as there is coverage at the various stations for a full shift, that works! 

I would like to volunteer, but I would have to bring my younger child with me. Is that ok?

• If you think they’d be ok being there the full 2.5 hour shift, you can bring them! We will have chairs at the Course Marshal stations, and they could always sit on a blanket too!

What is the WAT Course?

When is the last day that my student can submit their donations?

• All donations are due by Friday, September 22^nd.   Every student that raises $100 or more will be entered into a drawing for a Family Prize Package.  Winners will be drawn before morning announcements the week after WAT.

What is the family prize package drawing?

• $25 gift certificate to be used at fall book fair
• 30 minute early entry for children to shop at Winter Wonderland
• One front row parking spot for Fun Fair

When will my student get their Walk-a-Thon shirt?

• The classroom teachers will distribute shirts the morning of the walk.  Students will put them on over the shirt they are wearing that day.
• Students will also be given a pair of sunglasses to wear that day, to help reduce getting any powder in their eyes, if they wish to wear them.

When will I get the shirt I ordered for myself or family member(s)?

• Adult shirt orders will be sent home via backpack mail on or before Wednesday, September 27th.

This year is a “Color” Walk. Can you explain what that is and how it will work?

• Color Powder will be “thrown” at the students as they run through stations. The color powder will be “thrown” via squeeze bottles by adult volunteers and not directed towards faces (though, sunglasses will be provided just in case).
• Students who wish to avoid the color stations will be directed to the side, so they can avoid being sprayed by the color.

What is in the Color Powder:

• The Color powder is a gluten-free cornstarch labeled as safe, non-toxic, and environmentally safe. All ingredients are FD&C and D&C approved and made in the USA.

Do I need to do anything different this year b/c it’s a color walk?

• Each student will be given a pair of sunglasses to wear for the walk to keep the powder out of their face (they can wear their own glasses, etc. instead if they wish)
• Each student will need to bring a towel/beach towel to school.
• After each grade walks, they will be removing their WAT shirts and placing them in provided plastic bags. They will clean off any excess powder and sit on their towels in class to avoid getting the classrooms messy.

How does the Color Powder wash off?

• It is easier to remove the color powder while it is dry. Any remaining residue can be washed with soap and cold water, or laundry detergent for clothes.
• 100% cotton clothing is recommended.
• Best practice – Do not wear anything (pants/shorts/shoes/socks) you are worried about having lingering color.

How to keep the Color Powder in your WAT t-shirt:

1. Change out of your colored t-shirt and do not shake off excess color:
   1. The more you move, the color powder dusts off the fabric. Gently place your shirt in a bag till you get home for the color setting process.
2. Lay shirt flat and spray to soak with white vinegar:
   1. Spray generously (and we mean really soak it), and be aware that the colors may blend and bleed together as the fabric becomes wet. The strength of the vinegar can also fade the screen print.
3. Keep the t-shirt flat to dry and iron with high heat:
   1. If you hang when still wet, gravity will bring all the colors to the bottom and turn them to a muddy brown. Instead, keep flat till dry, then place a rag between the shirt and the iron to set the color with heat.  
4. Toss in the dryer:
   1. As a final assurance to set the color, turn the shirt inside out and throw it in the dryer on high heat for about 10 minutes
5. Wash and wear:
   1. Be aware that with each wash, the color can fade, but it will always have a colorful glow after you have set the dyes as described above.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions? 

• Send an email to walkathon@gmspto.org