Valley Charter Middle School Viper Dash Color Run 2026
February 9th-March 19th
What is the VCMS Viper Dash fundraising campaign?
The Viper Dash is a five-week, student-led fundraising campaign that supports key VCMS programs. It runs from February 9th to March 19th and culminates in an on-campus student race around the Van Nuys Blvd campus.
What is the fundraising goal for Viper Dash?
Our goal is to raise $15,000 and reach 100% student participation. We encourage each student to raise $150 or more to help us reach this goal.
Why should I give to the Viper Dash and how will my Viper Dash donation be used?
Supporting VCMS means investing in programs that directly benefit students.
Fundraising helps to offset costs for the following:
After-School Sports – We invest $8,000 annually to provide free year-round athletics that build confidence, teamwork, and opportunities.
Field Trips & Special Speakers – Over $15,000 each year supports hands-on learning experiences and guest speakers beyond the classroom.
8th Grade Graduation Activities – More than $18,000 annually funds an overnight field trip, Six Flags celebration and culmination ceremony.
State and federal funding do not provide enough for these programs, so each year, we rely on community support to keep them going. Fundraising ensures that VCMS can continue offering these unique opportunities.
How does my student fundraise for the Viper Dash?
The Viper Dash is a student-led fundraiser.
Student-led fundraising means students take an active role in raising donations by reaching out to friends, family, and their community.
Each student is encouraged to raise $150 or more through a combination of large and small donations from their community ($10, $15, $20)—whether by collecting cash, checks, or online contributions, or by selling See’s Chocolate Bars.
- Cash/check donations: On February 12th, students will receive a large brown envelope with a tracking sheet to collect cash and check donations. Students can turn in these envelopes with their cash and check donations to the school office on or before March 19th. Online donations: Each VCMS student has a unique fundraising link on our online donations website. Students and parents can send out the link through email or social media to friends and family, especially those who live far away. Parents will receive this link in an email on February 12th. Each fundraising envelope has your student’s fundraising QR code. Scan it today!
- NOTE: All donations will be tracked on the Viper Dash website (cash and check donations will be entered as they are turned into the office), and each student’s donations will be tracked on their individual donation page.
How do I make a donation to my student?
- Click “Give Now”.
- Find your student’s fundraising page and choose the donation amount that is right for your family this fall.
- We encourage all students to raise $150 or more so that we can fully fund field trips, after school sports, and special 8th grade graduations activities like Grad Night.
Can I share my student's fundraising link?
Yes! Copy and paste and share with your community! Encourage them to donate to the Viper Dash and support your student this spring!
Do I have to donate with a credit card?
No! You can drop a cash or check donation off in either school office, preferably in your student’s donation envelope.
How can friends, family and neighbors donate online to my student?
Share your student’s fundraising link! Search for their name after clicking the “Give Now” button at the top of the page. Copy and paste your student’s unique fundraising link into an email and send it to likely donors. All students will be sent home with a QR code for their fundraising link with their donation envelope on February 12th. Need a new QR code to share? Visit the school office!
What can my student win for fundraising?
Students can earn a lots of great prizes throughout the Viper Fund campaign for their fundraising efforts!
- $150+ = 300 Viper Shop points + raffle entry for 2 Six Flags Magic Mountain season passes
- Top school fundraiser = 6 passes to LazerTag Extreme (party for you + 5 friends)
- Top fundraiser per advisory = 100 bonus Viper Shop points
- $15+ by Feb 23 = Raising Cane’s lunch
Are there other incentives for participating in the Viper Dash fundraising besides the student prizes?
Yes! VCMS staff is prepared to do silly things at Viper Dash pep rallies to incentivize students to get on the fundraising board! More details soon!
- 25% participation by March 2 = Slime Ms. Camposano / Mr. Heffner at pep rally
- 60% participation by March 13 = Duct tape Mr. Coleman / Mr. Ruiz at pep rally
When is fundraising for the Viper Dash over?
All donations must be collected by March 19th to be counted toward your student’s total fundraising.
RACE DAY INFORMATION
When is race day?
- Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 12:30-1:00pm at the Van Nuys Blvd campus.
Who participates in the race?
- All students (6th-8th grade) participate - they can run, walk, or jog!
What happens during the race?
- Students race for 30 minutes (some may complete a 5K/3.1 miles)
- Color powder stations around the course
- Water balloon station (staff are the targets!)
- Photo opportunities
- Race bibs with timing chips track laps
- Results posted same day!
What should students wear?
All students will receive a race t-shirt to wear over their clothes so they don’t get their regular clothes dirty.
What time is dismissal on race day?
1:20pm from Van Nuys campus. IMPORTANT: 6th graders will walk to Van Nuys campus and be dismissed from there at 1:20pm (not their usual Sherman Way campus at 1:25pm).
What happens after the race?
Ice cream truck (donated by Celina Acevez/Park Regency Realty), photos, and celebration!
Can I volunteer to help on race day?
Yes! Parents are encouraged and welcome to volunteer on race day. Squirt color powder on students as they run/walk, pass out water at the water stations, or help supervise Van Nuys Blvd. There are many ways to help! Click here for more information.
I still have questions!
Email Rebecca Avery ([email protected]), or call the school office.