Washington Elementary
Color Run FAQ
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about our optional Color Run
scheduled for next Thursday, February 9:
Q: When is it?
The Color Run is Thursday, February 9! The first information that went home gave the date
as February 10, but we had to change the date to February 9 due to the kindergarten 100th Day
celebration. The times for the classes are as follows:
12:15: K and 1
12:50: Grades 2-4
1:30: Grades 5-6
Q: By what date do we need to turn in donations?
In order for a child to run, the student must donate at least five dollars before the run. You can
submit all other donations up until February 22. However, if you would like to avoid making two
payments, you can send a written note to your child’s teacher with your commitment to turn in
your donations of at least $5 per child by the 22nd.
Q: Where do we turn in our donations?
Before the run, please give donations to your child’s teacher. After the run, you can place
donations in the PTA drop box in the office or send them through the teacher.
Q: Why is there a minimum charge of $5?
Unlike other running events like the Jogathon, there is more cost involved in a color run,
especially the cost of the colored powder. If you would like to pay for another student who
cannot afford to participate to do so, that donation will go toward your child’s total donation
amount. Simply indicate on your donation form how much you would like to go toward funding
other students.
Q: How can my child get a Color Run t-shirt?
Students can get a t-shirt in two different ways. (1) Those who raise $60 or more will get a free tshirt. (2) T-shirts can also be purchased separately.
Please note that if you would like your child to have the t-shirt for the run, you must either
submit your $60+ orders by Friday, February 3, or complete the separate t-shirt form with
payment by Friday, February 3.
You do not need to use the t-shirt order form if you want your child to get the free t-shirt with a
$60 donation. The donation sheet has a column where you can mark your child’s size.
We will not be able to give refunds to anyone who purchases a shirt and then earns another
through donations.
We will be selling the t-shirts we have on hand next week in front of the school at pick-up and
drop-off time on a first come, first serve basis. We will be taking orders at the same time for any
that we don't have in stock.
Q: How can my child get a Color Run sticker?
We will also be selling stickers with our color run logo on it for $1. These are vinyl stickers that
are great for laptops, folders, and cars. Also, any student who turns in his or her donations
before the Color Run gets a sticker free!
Q. Are there other prizes?
Yes! For a $35 donation, your child gets to attend the Color Party on February 24 and get a free
pair of sunglasses. For a $60 donation, you get the free t-shirt discussed above. For a $100
donation, you get to throw color on Principal Lenertz at the Color Party!
Q: What should my child wear?
Have your child wear white if possible in order for the color to show up. The color is made to
wash out but it is not guaranteed. So, please do not send children in anything that should not get
stained. You may also want to consider having children wear sunglasses or a scarf over their
nose or mouth if you are worried about them getting the powder in their faces. We will, of
course, take extra care with all students, especially our kindergartners and first graders who will
be running together, separate from the rest of the school.
Q: Is the color safe?
The powder that we are purchasing is FD&C and D&C approved. The powders are non-toxic,
100% safe, made from food-grade quality cornstarch. Pam Bryson has personally talked to
several schools which have done a color run with this type of powder, and there were no
reported incidents of students having problems with it.
Q: What if my child has asthma?
As an extra precaution, we will be providing filter masks for those with pre-identified asthma or
breathing conditions. We are happy to provide the masks, but parents need to consult with their
children’s doctors to determine if the mask will provide enough protection. If, for health reasons
you do want us to provide a filter mask for your child, please notify your child’s teacher as soon
as possible.
We cannot afford to provide a mask for every student and are requesting that you provide your
own scarf or mask for your child unless there is a known health risk.
Q: Can parents participate?
Yes, parents can also run! Principal Lenertz has agreed to let parents run with the minimum
donation of $10! We would like for parents to pay upfront for their run. Because of the close
deadline of our race next week, please make your $10 parent participation donation through the
PTA drop box in the office, at our table that we will have out next week at pick up and drop off,
or at the volunteer table on the day of the race. Although you can send other donations through
your child’s teacher, please do not send this parent participation money that way. We will give
you a receipt for your donation that you can attach to your child's donation form to receive
credit for your $10 toward their total donation. In other words, if a parent runs with his child, he
will donate $10 for himself and $5 for the child. If the child adds $45 in other donations, the
child’s total donation will be $60 and that child will get a free t-shirt.
Please arrive a half hour before your run in order to get checked in and don't miss the start of
the race!
Please do not put your parent donation in the dropbox on the day of the race because we will not
be able to verify your payment. Just bring your payment to the race where we will have a parent
check-in table.
Q: Do you need parent volunteers?
Yes, we need about 25 volunteers for our event. The run starts at 12:15, so volunteers should
plan to arrive around 11:45 to park, be checked in through the office and on the field by noon at
the latest. We need volunteers to throw color, to check in parents, to help with class photos, and
to get kids in and off of the field. Please let us know via Facebook or email if you are willing to
volunteer. This will definitely be a fun event to be a part of!
Q: Is this a PE event?
This is not a PE event. This is an optional event for our students. Students who choose not to
participate will have supervised game activities in the library.
We are excited to have everyone participate in this fun, first-time ever Washington event!