Tamaqua Elementary School students had a chance to get outside and enjoy themselves on Thursday, when grades 3-5 participated in “Fun Day” throughout the campus.

A variety of activities were offered to the students, who had a chance to relax during a yoga session or check out some animals at a petting zoo.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be fun,” said third-grader Isabella Mincavage. “But I did like the petting zoo. Some of us got to hold the rabbits and we got to play with some of the Frisbees and stuff. I liked when we played kickball.”

Mincavage and her classmates took their turn at kickball, Wiffle ball and an obstacle course. And lastly, there were games and a science show for a total of six activity stations set up for the kids.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Koda McMullen, third grade. “So far I’d say the baseball and kickball (is my favorite part about today).

Volunteer Nick Weschler was pitching whiffle ball to the students adjacent to the tennis courts where intense, old-school kickball contests were happening.

“My wife and a lot of the others have been spearheading this,” said Weschler. “Last week, they did some of the younger grades, this week it’s some of the older grades. They have stations all along the bottom and the top. We had a lot of volunteers to pull this off.”

The elementary school had its fun day for grades K-2 last week. Weschler is one of many parent volunteers who were set up at each station to help out on Thursday. The PTO, as well as its volunteers, coordinated the activity and event schedule.

Third-grade teacher Jolene Barron agreed with Weschler that the school’s PTO was the major contributing factor to making both of the fun days possible.

“We are extremely grateful for the parents for putting it all together,” said Barron. “We haven’t been able to hold any events or assemblies this year, this has been pretty much the first opportunity for the kids to have a fun day.

“We have an incredible PTO. These parents do so many things. They did a lot this year during the year to make the year fun for the kids. … They’ve sent things home for the kids and have done a lot to help make it a fun year for the kids. They’re doing a phenomenal job supporting the staff and students.”

Tamaqua is one of the rare districts in the region which had an in-person option all year long. With the school year winding down, Mincavage had mixed feelings about it when asked if she’s ready for the summer.

“Kind of and kind of not. I like hanging out with my friends and getting to learn new things.”