Murphy students at Hunt, Boggess, and Miller Elementary Schools celebrated the very near completion of school year 2011-12 by running, laughing, singing, splashing, jumping, hula-hooping, not reading, writing, or arithmetic-ing while the distinct aroma of summery sunscreen swished in the breeze. On May 18^th, students, staff and parent volunteers pulled off outstanding field days at all three schools.

Hunt Elementary, PTA President Jill Lambouses, PTA Field Day Co-Chairs Mindy Parker and Mindy Dobbs beamed as they presented their Olympic themed event. Thirty two stations were available for the students. Limbo under rotating sprinklers, marble diving with toes, soccer kicking and push-ups under water pitcher drenching are some examples of the creative fun experienced here. Kudos given to the 120 volunteers who made this day the success it was – the original field day was rained out. Volunteers rearranged their schedules a second time to be at this event.

Mustang Park was field day central for Boggess elementary. Principal Marilyn Carruthers shared that their field day success was a result of months of hard work by the PTA and parent volunteers. Field day co-chairs were Paula Schrauff and Heather Boyd. Watching the fifth graders help the kindergarten students was especially rewarding to them. Members of the Murphy Fire Department were on hand to play kickball with the students and to challenge the Watch D.O.G.S. to games of tug of war. After a hard fought battle the fire department pulled the Watch D.O.G.S. ?across the line. Summing up their competition, a Watch D.O.G.S. member said “They’re just so (pausing to visually analyze)…beefy.” Robert Hernandez, member of the Watch D.O.G.S.? explained their group as a national organization that encourages dads of students to come help out at their children’s schools. WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) - Engage men, inspire children, reduce bullying and enhance the educational environment at your school. (fathers.com) ?

Approximately 550 students attend Miller Elementary. Murphy resident and Miller Principal Jennifer Bero reaches out to over 50 volunteers, including the Richardson FD and after school PASAR staff,? with thankfulness for the successful day. The school nurse, and another Murphy resident, Marla Hill enthusiastically points out the joys of field day in that the “kids have fun running around without structure...a chance to be themselves.” There was something for everyone to enjoy at this field day whether it be showcasing singing skills through karaoke songs or participating in relay races as well as various activities in-between.

Now that the sunscreen has been brought out of winter hibernation, raise your bottle of SPF 50 high (reapplying frequently) – Here’s to the memory of field day, always sparkling with fun! Here’s to the anticipation that summer brings – may it reach a perfect blend of schedule freedom and hilarious amusement.