The Vessels Turkey Trot, 2025!

The Bulldog Bark

Frank Vessels Elementary School

Issue 14: November 17 - November 21

A Great Place to Learn and Grow!

Go for the Gold!

The Vessels FOAM Turkey Trot

Our annual Turkey Trot is almost here, and we can’t wait to celebrate this exciting day with our Bulldogs on Friday, November 21st!

Please be aware that we are closely monitoring the weather and hope the rain will cooperate, allowing us to proceed as planned. If needed, we will reschedule the run for a later date and will notify you with as much notice as possible.

This is one of our students’ favorite events of the year, and we’ve made a few changes to enhance the experience for our kids and families.

We have currently raised $38,000, and we appreciate all the support we have received from our fantastic community!

We still have time to get to our goal of $60,000! Please click the link to help us surpass our goal. As a reminder, every cent goes back to our kids and school!

Event Map

Please take a look at the attached map, which shows:

Family viewing areas
Volunteer check-in table
Entry points and essential locations

This year, families will be allowed inside the center of the track to view and cheer on their little turkeys! We hope this change will:

Give everyone more space and a better view
Increase the positive, encouraging energy for our runners

Safety Reminder

Volunteers will guide families in and out of the center of the track between runs only.

Please do not cross the track at any location other than the designated crossing shown on the map, and only when directed to do so by a volunteer.

Double the Foam

We’re doubling the foam fun this year!

Please consider sending a change of clothes for your child for the drive home, as they are likely to get wet and foamy during their run.

Run Schedule

TK/K: 1:30–1:50
1st–3rd: 1:55–2:15
4th–6th: 2:35–2:55

Show Your Spirit – Wear Your Grade-Level Color

Students are encouraged to wear their grade-level color on the track:

TK/K – Green
1st – Yellow
2nd – Purple
3rd – Tie-Dye
4th – Blue
5th – Navy Blue
6th – Red

We appreciate your support in making the Turkey Trot a memorable event for our Bulldogs.

We look forward to seeing you there, cheering on our runners!

Parent Survey

Please take a few moments to complete the attached parent survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping us understand what we are doing well and how we can continue to grow.

By sharing your thoughts, you are partnering with us to make Vessels an even better place for students to learn and grow. Thank you in advance for your time and support!

Take the Parent Survey Here!

Attendance Challenge

With one week to go, Vessels is in the lead with a 96.5% attendance rate! We are on the road to victory, but we need your help! Be here every day and we win! Let's do this, Bulldogs!

Friends of Vessels

At Vessels Elementary, we are fortunate to have both the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Friends of Vessels (FOV) 501(c)(3) nonprofit working together to support our students.

The PTA offers programs and opportunities that benefit all students, including field trips, assemblies, and school-wide events. Because the PTA’s mission is to serve every child, funds raised through membership dues and events are used to support experiences that reach the entire student body.

The Friends of Vessels (FOV), our school-based 501(c)(3) organization, helps “fill the gaps” by funding items and experiences that the PTA cannot cover. This includes grade-level or program-specific needs, such as classroom materials, enrichment opportunities, and special projects.

Because FOV is a nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible, and the group can also apply for grants and business partnerships to bring even more resources to Vessels.

Together, the PTA and Friends of Vessels make a powerful team: the PTA ensures all students benefit, while FOV provides flexibility to support grade-level and classroom-specific needs directly.

We are in the process of planning events and would appreciate your assistance in getting this worthy cause up and running. We already have a dedicated team at work, but we would like you to make it the best year ever! Please use the button below to sign up and be a part of something truly special!