MONTICELLO, NY — The Robert J. Kaiser (RJK) Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will host the inaugural RJK Panther Pride Fun Run on Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. at the school. 

The fun run is the first fundraising event to be held by the newly formed PTO. Proceeds from the race will directly support the mission of the PTO—to enhance student experiences at RJK Middle School. 

The cost of registration through Sunday, March 24 is $35 and includes a complimentary RJK Panther Pride Fun Run T-shirt commemorating the race day. After March 24, registration will continue to cost $35, but no shirt will be guaranteed to a registrant. 

“We are so excited for the opportunity to bring this fun and colorful event to our RJK students, their families and all the community,” said race director Heather Fassell. “Our untimed race will be a 1.5-mile fun run and walk over the grounds of our beautiful school, with a course that will be friendly for everyone. We will have ‘Color Blasts’ along the route for a fun and exciting day.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to get outside as a family and a community to enjoy fresh spring air,“ Fassell said. 

“I’m very pleased with the hard work our families have done to launch a new RJK PTO,” said RJK principal Sara Kozachuk. “They are planning many exciting activities that will support students and bring the community together.” The RJK Panther Pride Fun Run is just the first, she said. “The Fun Run will be a good time for participants and spectators alike, and the proceeds will ultimately benefit our middle schoolers.” 

The nonprofit RJK PTO allows parents and teachers the opportunity to work together, supplementing and enriching the educational experiences of the students at the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School, as part of the Monticello Central School District. Recognition opportunities, educational field trips, celebratory activities and more are all supported for the children by the PTO’s activity. 

The PTO welcomes parents, caregivers and the community to join. The next RJK PTO meeting is Tuesday, March 12 at 6 p.m. in the RJK Middle School lobby.

The middle school is located at 45 Breakey Ave. 

Registration for the fun run and additional information is available at www.runsignup.com.