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The tradition, known as Track & Field Day, brings fourth graders from all four elementary schools together at Panther Stadium for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. It’s a fun way to support the transition to fifth grade when everyone comes together at Westwood.  

The weather is ideal for Track & Field Day 2024. There’s plenty of sunshine and blue skies along with snacks and water bottles to go around. Kids and staff are dressed in T-shirts color-coded to their schools (Park Terrace Elementary, Northpoint Elementary, Centerview Elementary and Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary.)

Physical Education teacher Dean Downs is stationed up in the press box with a microphone. As students run, jump and toss their way through the various athletic events, he provides colorful commentary along with energetic tunes.

Families of students and community members circle the track or sit in the stands to cheer. Some high school students venture outside to show their support and reminisce about their elementary Track & Field Day experiences.

Supporting transitions

On the surface, Track & Field Day could be seen as ‘just’ another end-of-year celebration. But, the event also serves another purpose – for fourth graders to begin the process of sunsetting their elementary era and begin looking ahead to Westwood Intermediate School. After this upcoming summer break, they will all become fifth graders together.

Aaron Chretien is a fourth grade teacher at Park Terrace. He was also a Park Terrace student at Track & Field Day in the spring of 1991. From experience, he knows the tradition of this day well.

“I still remember running on the old gravel track,” says Aaron, watching the students in his class enjoy many of the same things he recalls from his school days. “It’s always been about fun competition, good sportsmanship and celebrating the students’ time at the elementary buildings.”

At the beginning of the event, students cluster with their class, but as the day goes on the T-shirt colors begin to mix. Some students recognize others from a different school based on their involvement in various extracurricular activities. Most are meeting for the first time on the track. It’s an opportunity to make new friends before they meet again at Westwood.

Westwood wonderings

On the field, there is some common chatter among students about the “new” Westwood things they are looking forward to or wondering about. They ponder the length of recess time, whether they’ll learn an instrument and join band, and what the lunch options are.

Much like success on Track & Field Day, transitioning to a new school requires support and a team. These fourth graders – and their families – have been learning about Westwood throughout the year. Students visited during the school day to meet with staff and tour the building. Families and students also had a chance to attend the Westwood Welcome event. Track & Field Day is another fun chance to ease into the transition.

“This event is a great way for all fourth graders to start to get to know each other and build relationships,” says Tyler Nelson, principal at Northpoint Elementary. “When the beginning of fifth grade rolls around, they already have familiar faces to connect with.”

Before starting his first year as principal at Northpoint this year, Tyler spent the last eight years at Westwood. He has seen from both sides how critical it is to prepare students for this key transition point in their school career.

Looking around the field, these new fifth graders appear ready for what’s next. They’re laughing with old friends while welcoming new ones. The idea of “team” is already expanding – a lesson from Track & Field Day that will carry over to the start of next school year.

View photos from the event