Although Fitness Day comes but once a year at Rochester Memorial School, physical education teacher Kevin Woodward hopes it shows kids the value of an active life.

The day kicked off on Thursday with a loop around the school.

With sponsorship from the PTO, the walk was also a fundraiser for a new fence to keep kids safe on the playground. Kids asked family and friends to donate money for their fitness walk.

PTO member Tina Rood said the goal was to raise $5,600 on Thursday. SEMASS also helped out with a donation.

Once they returned to the school, each student had the opportunity to participate in at least two activities, from hula hooping and dancing to a relay race.

Woodward said 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity is recommended each day, and the Fitness Day is a better way to do that than the traditional field days of yore.

"Field days were more standing around. We've taken that old concept and modified it," he said.

Woodward said kids were excited about the day.

"I heard all positives. In the hallway kids said, 'I can't wait until tomorrow!'"

The Rochester Police Department helped out by keeping roads safe for kids. Parents and 40 students from Old Rochester Regional High School's National Honors Society also volunteered on Thursday.

Lloyd's Market donated ice to help keep kids cool and hydrated.