From the T-ball hit and the ramp roll to a target, to the soccer ball kick challenge, the Frisbee toss and the long jump, the kids had a chance to compete in nine events during their track and field day.
About 100 students from the schools at North Branch, Chisago Lakes, Rush City, Pine City, Hinckley/Finlayson, and East Central congregated at the track at Rush City Schools for this year's DAPE Challenge. If the smiles and laughter weren't enough of a clue, the kids love it.
"It's a lot of fun," Tanis, a student at Pine City High School, said of his five years of participating in this challenge. "We get a chance to see a lot of kids and get a chance to make friends."
Teachers and administrators alike can't say enough good things about the challenge.
"It's great to see all the schools come together and the kids support one another," Kim Erdman, DAPE instructor for Rush City Schools, said. "I love it - I can see why the kids look forward to this day."
Eric Ganske, DAPE instructor at East Central Schools, agreed. "It's a great opportunity for the kids to meet other kids," he said.
"Seeing the schools interact is marvelous," Dave Ertl, Chisago Lakes High School principal, noted. Ertl's boss, Dean Jennissen, Chisago Lakes Superintendent, sees the value as well.
"It's a very special day for the kids," he said. "I love seeing the kids in their element - enjoying themselves."
Chisago Lakes occupational therapist Carol Houfer sees the kids having fun in a naturally occurring setting. "Their personalities really come through and they get a chance to shine," she pointed out. Beckmann said the social component of the event is huge. “It is an opportunity for them to interact with peers from different school districts,” she said. “We wanted to focus more on just having fun.” Chisago Lakes parent Jenny Tyrrell agrees with that assessment. "It's good for the kids to get out of the classroom setting," she observed. "They participate in these events and they gain so much confidence."