OXFORD – Most elementary school principals would be upset to see students running en masse in the hallways, but not Timothy McDonald. On Friday, the Oxford Primary School principal looked on with pride as roughly 150 excited children took a victory lap through the halls.

The run, which is well on its way to becoming an annual tradition, is a reward for students who participated in Miles for Quarters – an annual fundraising effort benefiting the Chenango United Way. This year was a record year, according to McDonald, both in terms of student involvement and the amount raised.

“It touches my heart,” he said. “I’m so proud of the kids.”

According to the building administrator, students earn one quarter for each year of their age by doing chores and helping out at home and at school.

“We had a record number of classes achieve 100 percent,” he reported, explaining that 11 of the school’s 21 classrooms succeeded in reaching that goal and therefore had the chance to run in the hallways.

With so many students buying in, it’s no wonder they were able to exceed the amount they raised last year.

“We have raised $634.81,” McDonald reported. Last year’s total was $472.90.

The principal attributes the success of this year’s Miles for Quarters event to the fact that the school’s extended family recognizes that needs in the area are great this year.

“The students and the parents and the teachers are really looking to support the community,” he explained.