By J.R. TIDWELL

Editor

Clanton Intermediate students had the chance to go outside and take part in fun activities during the school’s annual Field Day on May 17.

The event is planned and overseen by Pam Adams, a paraprofessional for special education at CIS.

“I kind of started (planning such events) over at the elementary school when I was over there,” she said. “Then when I came over here they knew my skills with this, and I just went with the flow and started planning everything for the school. I’ve enjoyed it ever since. I have been doing it now for about 12 years.”

CIS students were able to take turns going out to the field based on their age groups.

“We do this every year for our students,” Adams said. “We have three grades: third, fourth and fifth. They come out in shifts. They do it during their P.E. time. Everybody gets an opportunity to come out and enjoy the activities.”

Once on the field, students got to stay at one of several stations for a length of time before Adams signaled everyone to rotate to a different activity.

“We have the Tiger’s Den, which is an obstacle course,” Adams said. “We have the [inflatable] jump house, the [inflatable] slide, a three-legged race, face painting, cake walk and Tunnel Turtles. Cornerstone [Fitnesds and Wellness Center] does the obstacle course. The K-9 unit teaches about the dog and different activities they can do. We have Tic-tac-toe. We also have our concession stand.”

CIS’ Field Day was able to go on as scheduled despite the rain that fell over Clanton the night before.

“We were really hoping the rain would hold off,” Adams said. “We had made arrangements if we had to do it inside. We got the go-ahead to have it outside. They came and set [the inflatables] up last night. When I got here, they were full of water, but as soon as they popped up, they got rid of the water. We have a few mud holes, but hey, it’s a nice day and kind of breezy. It’s not too bad at all.”

Given the myriad of smiling faces on children having fun, the event appeared to be a success.

“It takes a lot of patience and time planning,” Adams said. “Usually things don’t change from year to year. Maybe the activities will change, and I have to get in touch with everybody. We have a lot of visitors today. Some volunteers from Alabama Power are here to help us also. It runs like clockwork, and everyone enjoys it. It makes me feel wonderful.”