To celebrate before classes wrapped up for the Thanksgiving break, Resilience Academy students embarked on a fun footrace around the building. The first annual Turkey Trot, despite being moved inside due to rainy weather, gave students a chance to get out of class and stretch their legs.
Teacher Krystine Nardozzi organized the event and donned a turkey costume along with teacher aide Christina Olson and crisis aide Daniel Lynch. Kelia Johnson, receptionist from the main office, joined in wearing an inflatable turkey outfit. 
“A lot of the students miss coming to school during the break and don’t look forward to it,” explained Nardozzi. “We thought this would be a great way to start the break in a positive, upbeat way,” she added.
Students from the Pegasus program led off the event, passing through the balloon arch that decorated the starting point and making one to two loops around the hallways. At the conclusion of the course, everyone gathered in the cafeteria for hot chocolate, donuts and cookies. To add to the festivities, students who completed the laps were awarded gold and silver medals for participation.
Student Justin Bradley from the Pegasus program enjoyed the event and seeing his teachers in their masks and costumes. “It was a lot of fun,” he said. “Getting my photo taken with the teachers was my favorite part.”
In addition to the Turkey Trot, students were given an opportunity to participate in a celebration during 7th, 8th and 9th period as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) reward.
Students that earned the incentive were given an opportunity to enjoy movies, games and great food in the learning commons to close out the day before heading out for their Thanksgiving break.
