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A thermometer displaying raised donations sits inside the hallway of Grovecrest Elementary School in Pleasant Grove during a walk-a-thon fundraiser Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Courtesy Wendy Cope

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Grovecrest Elementary School Computer science teacher Wendy Cope places tally marks on students' hands to record the laps they are doing during a walk-a-thon fundraiser Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Courtesy Wendy Cope

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As the 2024-25 school year starts to enter into its final days, work is already underway to ensure students have essential tools for the classroom when they return in the fall.

Grovecrest Elementary School students walked laps Wednesday during the Pleasant Grove school’s annual walk-a-thon to raise money for new classroom technology and to replace aging physical education and recess equipment.

The fundraising activity started outside but was quickly moved indoors due to Wednesday morning’s storm.

“We made a path for the kids to walk/run around inside the school,” said Wendy Cope, a computer science teacher at Grovecrest.

Principal Mike Larson said the funds will go toward purchasing new Apple TV sets and iPads.

“We’re trying to get an Apple TV and an iPad in every single classroom for teachers to use to cast different things as (part of) their lesson planning and presenting to their students,” he said.

Additionally, the money will be used to replace various sporting and recreational equipment that have become unsafe for students to use during recess and physical activities at school.

“When certain equipment isn’t updated, then it becomes a hazard,” Cope added. “So it’ll keep the kids safe and entertained on the playground.”

The school set an initial goal of $10,000 to help cover costs to purchase the needed items.

Ahead of the walk-a-thon, Larson said the school-organized event tasks students with raising money through donations from family, friends, neighbors or a local business.

As of Thursday, nearly $8,000 had been raised, according to Larson.

For added incentives, Cope mentioned this year’s theme “Let Him Cook,” which she explained is a popular term used among the youth, so students and teachers dressed up in aprons and chef hats.

In alignment with the “cooking” theme, a thermometer in the school’s hallway tracks the donations, with listed prices up for reward as certain milestones are reached.

Cope, who’s also running for a seat on the school board in the emerging Timpanogos (South) school district covering the cities of Lindon, Pleasant Grove, Orem and Vineyard, said the walk-a-thon is just one example of prioritizing student needs and collaboration — something she feels will be vital as new school boards and districts are formed.

“It’ll be important that we have a really strong board that’s amicable, that can make decisions and move forward decisions that are going to put our students first,” Cope said. “I think that collaboration piece is very important for a new board, but I am excited for our new South district.”

The last day of school for Grovecrest students is Friday. The new items will be purchased over the summer in time for the start of the new school year.

“We just appreciate the community getting involved. The money really does come from the Grovecrest community, and they’re very generous, so we thank them for those donations.” Cope said.