The Salamander Stride

What is the Salamander Stride?

It’s a Fun Run for the whole school and the singular fundraising event hosted by the PTA. The Stride is a non-competitive event that encourages physical activity and aligns with the school’s purpose of educating and celebrating the kids. It is also a great community event for students, teachers, and administrators—and, of course, parents, guardians, and family members who are able to support our students.

How will the Salamander Stride raise money for the PTA?

Students will seek pledges from family, friends, and neighbors to encourage them to achieve their goal. Our successful fundraising history through this signature event has enabled us to eliminate the need for other PTA fundraisers, like selling wrapping paper and cookie dough.

What classes are in the lead for cool prizes like a movie day and lunch with Principal Schwartz?

Check out the latest donations records here and see who's at the top!

How can I make a pledge?

It’s easy to set up a pledge page or make a donation through the PTA website. Follow these steps:

Go to www.scespta.membershiptoolkit.com to login to or create your account. If you are logging into or registering an account for the first time, or the first time in awhile, make sure to update your student's grade and classroom teacher* so their donations go to the proper grade level and classroom's tally.
Once you're logged in, click on "My Account"
From there you will scroll down to "Fundraising Campaigns" where your student(s) page(s) is linked
Feel free to personalize their fundraising page if you'd like
Make a donation online and send their page(s) to friends and family to ask for support!
You can also record cash/check donations made out to SCES PTA.
Please note that contributions may be tax deductible, and check with your employer regarding the potential for matching gifts!

Fundraising Page Instructions

*To update your student's grade click on My Account > scroll to Parent and Student Information > click on Family Information > scroll to bottom of page and click Next Step > verify or change your students grade and classroom teacher information.

Will all kids participate?

Yes. This is a school-wide event and every student who is able to stride, walk, run or glide in the Salamander Stride is encouraged to participate. We know there may be some children whose families and friends are not able to pledge money for the Salamander Stride, and that’s OK — everyone participates in the way they are able. One of the ways to get in on the fun is via Spirit Week, October 28-November 1!

This year's Salamander Stride will take place on Friday, November 1, at the Silver Spring International Middle School track. A schedule of run times by grade level will be posted here when announced.

How does it work?

Grades go down to the SSIMS track one grade level at a time during their special classes. Each grade will walk down to the track from the playground, escorted by volunteers and their classroom teacher.

Classes will place water bottles at designated table
Classes will run, walk or jog for 15 minutes
Classes can pick up their water bottles for a water break
Classes take a quick class picture
Classes return to the building, escorted by volunteers and their classroom teacher

We will have extra water on hand in case anyone runs out but please do your part to “green” the Stride by sending your student with a water bottle from home.

How can parents/guardians and family members help with the Salamander Stride?

Families can help by donating and/or pledging their support and asking their relatives, neighbors, and friends to do the same. Parents/guardians may also watch/cheer from the stands and sign up to volunteer (email us at stride@scespta.org if you're interested in helping out).

Volunteers are needed to escort classes, assist on the field and encourage the students as they do their stride, photograph striders in action and as a class, organize classes after their stride so they can return to class, set up and clean up after the event, general logistics the day-of, etc. If you have a passion, we can find a volunteer job for you!