Walk-a-thon

Ferndale Upper and Lower Elementary students team up for Walk-A-Thon and Field Day as more than 140 volunteers lend a hand

Ferndale Schools

October 15, 2026

FERNDALE, Mich. — More than 140 volunteers turned out Oct. 7 to help students from Ferndale Upper Elementary (FUEL) and Ferndale Lower Elementary take part in the annual K-5 Walk-A-Thon and Field Day, hosted by the Ferndale Elementary PTA at FUEL.

Lower Elementary students walked to FUEL for a morning of laps, activity stations and a picnic lunch alongside their FUEL buddy classes. Older students guided and cheered on their younger buddies throughout the day, a tradition that has become a highlight for families and staff alike.

“One of my favorite parts of the day is always the buddy classrooms,” said Kirsten Suer, president of the Ferndale Elementary PTA. “A parent told me that watching another student care for and help her kindergartner made her cry. She was filled with joy. Our FUEL students took such good care of our Lower Elementary students.”

The Walk-A-Thon is the PTA’s fall fundraiser. Donations are still coming in, and the PTA expects to reach its $10,000 goal. The funds purchase spirit shirts for every student and staff member at both schools and support PTA programming throughout the year, including:

  • Family events

  • Teacher and staff appreciation

  • Grants

  • The third-grade nutrition program

  • Second- and fifth-grade celebrations

  • The new Reflections arts program

The PTA also thanked the principals, teachers and support staff who helped students manage the excitement and transitions of the day, along with the secretaries, food service staff, bus drivers and custodians who worked behind the scenes to keep it running smoothly.

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About Ferndale Public Schools

Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.

To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.