Field Day at Michael M. Byrne Elementary is more than just a day of physical activity. It’s “Byrne Kids Day” — a school-wide celebration of students’ academic accomplishments and hard work throughout the year, according to Principal Elizabeth Gallo.
On May 20th, the Byrne campus transformed into a vibrant festival of fun. Students competed in classic games like potato sack races, tug-of-war, and water relays, alongside giant inflatables and water balloon tosses. Those playing organized sports chose from volleyball, soccer, or softball.
The day featured treats from Triano’s Pizza for lunch and Hawaiian shaved ice from Kona, plus a visit from the Traveling World of Reptiles Show. School counselor Ms. Ortiz DJ’d a dance party, and Andy’s Custard on Archer donated additional treats, said PTO President Sheree Dunn.
The PTO meticulously planned every detail. Each classroom had adequate time at each station and safe transitions between them. Gym teachers Mr. Palmer and Mr. Tresse managed playground duty, with staff and volunteers stationed throughout.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Byrne Parent-Teacher Organization,” Gallo said. “Their tireless dedication and year-round fundraising efforts make this celebration possible for every student. It’s truly a day where our Bengals can celebrate their growth and simply enjoy being kids.”
Michael M. Byrne Elementary students had a Field Day on Wednesday, May 20th, split between the school campus and Normandy Park. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing 
PTO President Sheree Dunn and her board started planning back in January and hosted several fundraising events throughout the school year to pull off a fantastic day for the students. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing 
To cool off from the sun, students got a Kona snow cone! Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing 
Students enjoyed the Traveling Worlds of Repitles Show. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing
Planning and fundraising
The PTO board — Dunn, Treasurer Bridget Feulner, Vice President Nicole Gonzalez, Volunteer Coordinator Kristin Borek, Secretary Tammy Dospoy, Social Media Coordinator Lisa Code, and Staff Representative Lora Shimkus — began planning in January. They secured lunches, snacks, and entertainment through community donations and school fundraisers.
In the 2025-2026 school year, the PTO hosted 16 fundraisers to cover Field Day costs and other school functions and teacher appreciation events. Special events included an apple bar, bagels and coffee, Italian ice for students, a coffee truck for staff, and a staff lunch during parent-teacher conferences.
Local sponsors contributed beverages and snacks: Sam’s Club, Jewel on Archer, Shop and Save on Archer, 7-Eleven on Archer, Continental Sales, Andy’s Custard on Archer, and Dunkin on Archer.
Through the eyes of teachers
Special Education and Dual Language teacher Samantha Soukal, now in her seventh year at Byrne, reflected on the day’s “bittersweet mix of chaos and pure joy.”
“For students, Field Day is the ultimate end-of-year break from the classroom—a high-energy celebration that signals the exciting countdown to summer,” Soukal said. “For teachers, we see all of the PTO’s year-long fundraising and planning come to fruition as students excitedly move from activity to activity as we close out the school year.”
Kindergarten teacher Caitlin Saucedo saw the day as a chance for her students to celebrate their growth.
“I want them to look back on Field Day as a day filled with friendship, excitement, and happy memories from their Kindergarten experience,” Saucedo said. “I loved seeing their smiles, energy, and confidence shine throughout the day. Watching them unable to contain their excitement is probably the best part—to them, this is literally the Best Day Ever! I can’t thank our PTO enough for putting this together every year.”
Sixth-grade teacher and LSC representative Robert Gebel values the social and developmental opportunities Field Day provides.
“The day offers our students a wonderful opportunity for social and developmental interactions through fun activities,” he said. “To see them develop social connections outside the classroom is inspiring.”