I Became A Runner To Support The Kids Of Little Silver

By Michele Terroni

​When I moved to Little Silver back in 2019, I had always known there was a well-known race in town. However, it wasn’t really on my radar, thinking the Little Silver 5K was exclusive to the hard-core running community.

As my son entered the Little Silver School system and I became more involved, I was made aware that the LS5K was the primary fundraising vehicle for the Little Silver PTO. That year I joined the LS5K Committee, and last year decided to Co-chair the 5K.

I was so excited to learn that the LS5K is an event that welcomes runners of all skill levels. The flat course through our great town was something I thought I could handle with a little bit of training.

I wasn't a runner, but I was ready for the challenge. One year before, I started a new outlook on exercise and started CrossFit 3 days per week. I felt stronger and more confident in my abilities and was ready to participate in the Little Silver 5K. I ran my first Little Silver 5K in 2019! I chose the race because I knew the course and would be among friends and family. The energy on race day was electrifying, and it was a great confidence booster for someone like me who’d never run a race before.

The Little Silver 5K was an excellent way for beginner runners to get excited about running. I was cheered on by the wonderful community during my run. Once I completed the race, I was embraced by many.  Soon after, I found myself at a lively after-party with new runners, old friends, and lots of fun activities. I’m so glad I did it.

The community was so supportive on my first race day, and it made me feel even better that my participation benefits the children of the Little Silver School district by way of being the largest fundraising vehicle for the Little Silver PTO.
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The Mission of the Little Silver PTO is to support and enhance the educational experience of students and augment the goals of the Little Silver Public Schools in collaboration with students, parents and district employees. 

LSPTO Projects:

• Runs the Little Silver 5k, an event for the whole community and our largest fundraiser; raising over $50k annually
• Supported 50 grants in 2021-22 and has budgeted $20k for grants in the 22-23 school year*
• Donated a $50 gift card to every teacher to be used to enhance student learning 
• Organizes an annual Meet the Candidates night for contested seats on the Little Silver Board Of Education
• Introduced a Theater Club at Point Road School
• Hosted cultural art assemblies and author visits for every grade level at both Point Road and Markham Place Schools
• Introduced a new Special Subjects Grant that will touch every student in both schools in the 2022-23 school year.
• Maintains a directory and App through Membership Toolkit
• Organized multi-cultural day for 2nd graders, the 4th grade class shirt and Moving UP festivities, the 8th grade graduation party

*Our teacher grants are comprised of: SEL materials, classroom library books, indoor garden, playground equipment, bean bag lounge for art, puzzles, games, and activities for classrooms, flipbook kits, instructional keyboard covers, games for speech therapy, STEM materials, protective covers for tablets and charging stations and chair pockets with name tags.

Running, jogging, and walking is the perfect way to get exercise and a great way to meet new people. There are many benefits to running. It’s not as difficult as one would think as long as you train in advance. It’s enjoyable and makes humans more social. Additionally, you can do it at any time, and it can be a huge stress reliever. 

Join us October 2, 2022 and let running introduce you to a whole new world of fun while providing support to the students in the Little Silver School system!

SIGN UP FOR THE 2022 LS5K