It was likely a quiet afternoon at McKelvie Intermediate School.

After a morning of fitness activities on Oct. 23, fifth-grade teacher Marie Alsup said she was expecting her classroom to be filled with some tired students.

“The nice thing for the teachers is that all the kids are tired out after this,” said Alsup.

The school’s Move-A-Thon was a success again this year, an event where students raised money for a new playground, but Principal Mike Fournier said there are other reasons it’s an important day for the school.

“They love that the day is different than others,” he said. “They get the chance to be active and be with their friends. It pulls the staff and students together as a community.”

During the hour-long activities, students chose to either run, use their scooters and rollerblades or jump rope. Prior to the event, students raised donations, with half of the money going toward a new playground.

“They see what being a part of a community is about, and they get to actually produce something,” said Alsup.

Last year, the event raised about $50,000. In addition to the money for the playground, the remaining funds will be used for after-school activities and added to a pool of money used to buy supplies on teacher wish-lists.

The other important aspect of the event is teaching students the importance of staying active.

“It’s good to know you need to be healthy because you don’t want to be lazy,” said Sean Russell, 10, a fifth-grade student. “It’s better to be active.”

Russell chose to run during the one-hour period. Every lap the students completed, they stopped and received a tally mark from volunteers waiting at the start line.

Fournier said the school may not equal last year’s total, but it may be a figure close to it. School officials hope to have the playground completed by spring.

Fifth-grader Brionne Frazier, 10, said the day was a unique way to get out of the classroom. “It’s important so you can stay active,” she said. “It’s one day that you get a longer recess, and you can get out and have fun.”