When it’s time to go inside, the runners stop at their designated clipboard, count their sticks, and write down their numbers. Physical education teacher Nate Seidle, who began the program last year, has calculated how many laps, or sticks, make a mile.
And those miles are adding up. The school believes that physically active children are more socially, emotionally, and academically healthy.
Photo courtesy of Community Partnership School
Out of the 92 students who attend the pre-K through fifth-grade school, about 20–30 participate, and often all seven grades are represented. Each runner’s progress is charted on a large whiteboard in the cafeteria.
“We often find groups of kids standing around the chart, comparing distances and motivating each other to go out and run the next day,” Seidle says. Last year, he designed T-shirts for two students who hit the 100-mile mark. He expects more 100-milers in the future.
“I can be outside running and it’s another way to spend time with my friends,” says fifth-grader Lizzy. It’s also a good way to start the day, adds Seidle. “Kids are becoming better problem solvers when issues arise during active times such as recess and P.E. It benefits their health and activity level to be outside and not as stationary.”
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