Bubbles filled the air and students filled the track as Streetsboro Elementary School and Henry Defer Intermediate School celebrated the third annual Bubble Run on Friday, September 18.

The annual fundraiser combined physical activity, school spirit and plenty of bubbles while raising more than $30,000 as of September 20 to support students at the two schools.

“The Bubble Run was a huge success,” said Streetsboro Elementary School Principal Gwen Abraham. “What stood out was the joy of the students who participated. Everyone was smiling and having such a great time.”

Throughout the day, grade levels took turns walking to the Streetsboro Middle School track for 30-minute sessions. Students could run or walk as many laps as they wanted while large bubble machines and bubble blasters surrounded the track.

All SES students except preschoolers participated. The school's youngest Rockets will have their own Bubble Party rather than tackling laps around the track. Approximately 400 Henry Defer students participated.

Students also had plenty of incentives. Henry Defer students earned a charm for each lap they completed and could earn bracelets, squishy balls and a pizza party based on fundraising levels. At SES, prizes included Streetsboro Rockets metal water bottles and Bubble Run T-shirts featuring a new Hubie design. The school's top-earning class will receive a pizza party, while the top-earning class at each remaining grade level will celebrate with a popcorn party.

At SES, funds will help complete projects in the school's butterfly garden and outdoor classroom, which was created with proceeds from last year's Bubble Run. The school also plans to add activities and equipment to the playground to give students more options during play.

“Due to the extreme generosity of our families, we will be considering additional projects with the funds we earned,” said Abraham.

Henry Defer Intermediate Principal Michelle Kravetz said funds raised through the event help support student activities and recognition programs, provide teachers with resources for innovative projects and create enriched experiences that might not otherwise fit within the school's budget. The school is also considering recess improvements.

The impact of the fundraiser can already be seen at SES. Proceeds from the first Bubble Run helped build a much-needed shade structure on the playground. Last year's proceeds helped transform the school courtyard into an outdoor learning space.

The event's success also depends on the partnership among the PTA, families and school staff. The PTA coordinated family volunteers, who helped supervise students and brought additional bubble blasters and other supplies. Teachers and staff joined in the fun, with many walking laps alongside their students.

More than 70 family volunteers were believed to have participated this year, making it the event's largest volunteer turnout to date.

“The Bubble Run is valuable because it offers an opportunity for our schools to connect to families in a meaningful way,” said Abraham. “We want our families to be engaged with the schools and to see all of the wonderful things we do for kids.”

The day also provided plenty of memorable moments. One kindergarten student insisted that Chief Business Officer CJ Scarcipino wear his pastel sunglasses, creating what Abraham described as one of the best photo opportunities of the day. Superintendent Cindy Deevers also joined students at the track, spending time talking and interacting with them.

For Abraham, moments like those demonstrate that the Bubble Run is about much more than fundraising. “It’s nice to see that our kids know other caring adults from around the district,” she said. “This is a tribute to the connections all of our staff make with students and families.”

The schools expressed their appreciation to the families, volunteers and community members who have supported the Bubble Run throughout its three-year history.

“We would like to thank our families for their time and generosity,” said Abraham and Kravetz. “Since the inception of the Bubble Run three years ago, we have made thoughtful and prudent use of the money raised. This year, we will continue to use the funds to benefit our students.”

Want to see more from the Bubble Run? Superintendent Cindy Deevers recently talked with administrators, PTA leaders and volunteers for a special edition of Hallway to Hallway. Watch the Bubble Run episode on YouTube.