Participants will learn about RUFTA5 and leave with a practical timeline and tools to implement a similar event in their own district. Are You Faster Than a Fifth Grader? (RUFTA5) is a district-wide experience where 15 fifth graders from each elementary school race against the superintendent in a two-mile run, while the remaining students participate in a one-mile walk, all culminating together at a shared finish. KCKPS believes students benefit from meaningful connections with district leaders, and RUFTA5 provides that opportunity in a powerful, visible way. This event serves as a culminating elementary experience that celebrates the whole child while promoting perseverance, school pride, and healthy lifestyles. Participants will also explore how cross-department collaboration and community partnerships can support successful implementation and long-term impact.
Are you ready to take your love of learning and movement beyond the gym? Join me to see how we built an outdoor learning classroom at our elementary school. I’ll show how we turned almost nothing into an inspiring space by writing grants, securing donations, and involving our school community. You’ll leave with practical ideas for activities that help students learn, move, create, and connect with nature—and with steps to start your own outdoor classroom.
