Field day raises money for teachers

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Teachers at Russellville Elementary School have found a fun way of earning extra classroom money, something that could be hard to get next year.
The teachers hosted a Spring Fling field day Friday that included games, movies and plenty of concessions.
Local businesses and political candidates donated anywhere from $5 to $1,000 to make the day possible. The school also sold t-shirts and other items that were donated by local businesses.
"The community has been overwhelmingly supportive," fifth-grade teacher Stephanie Mayfield said. "We wouldn't be able to do any of this if our local businesses, political candidates and parents hadn't done so much."
All of the money raised during the Spring Fling will go into a classroom account that will be evenly distributed among all teachers at the school next school year.
"If a new teacher comes in they will have money to use in the classroom and won't be starting empty handed," Mayfield said.
The state allots money to each teacher to begin the school year, but Mayfield said that is quickly spent on pencils, paper and other materials.
"Some of these kids come in with nothing," she said.
Mayfield said she was able to purchase a smart board for her classroom because of the Spring Fling money raised over the last four years.
"Mrs. Ezzell doesn't have to let us use the money for the classroom, but she does," Mayfield said, referring to principal Kristie Ezzell. "She realizes how important it is for teachers to have this money and we are so thankful she allows us to do this."