MONTICELLO - Monticello Elementary recently started a new program called the "10 Mile Club," in which students can participate by either walking, running, skipping, hopping or other activities, and can receive awards and prizes for their efforts to live a healthier lifestyle. An Excellence In Education Grant has helped fund the prizes and expenditures of the program.
The club, which students have the option to participate in, takes place during noon recess on a paved area of the playground. Approximately 22 laps around the fenced-in area of the blacktop is equal to one mile. Assorted awards are given after completion of one mile, five miles and ten miles. The award for the 10th mile is a small trophy and $5 in Monticello money, which is good at local businesses. Laps done are recorded by an adult supervisor. No more than 10 laps are recorded per child per noon recess.
Since Oct. 1, 900 miles (19,800 laps) have been recorded, and currently 150 kids and their teachers have achieved their first mile. There are 21 elementary students who have achieved their 10th mile. A second grader recently logged her 30 mile, and a first grader has walked 29 miles.
In conjunction with the 10 Mile Club, program organizers announced that February was "Happy, Healthy Heart" month. Along with tips on nutrition, exercise and a catchy theme song, a challenge was issued: whichever class walked the most laps in the month of February, would win a Subway dinner for their class. Thanks in part to February's mild weather, 11,000 laps (528 miles) were walked. Miss Figi's fourth grade class won with 2,494 laps. Mrs. Ula's first grade class came in at a close second place and were awarded a treat of their choosing. They chose a healthy platter of fruit.
The club, which students have the option to participate in, takes place during noon recess on a paved area of the playground. Approximately 22 laps around the fenced-in area of the blacktop is equal to one mile. Assorted awards are given after completion of one mile, five miles and ten miles. The award for the 10th mile is a small trophy and $5 in Monticello money, which is good at local businesses. Laps done are recorded by an adult supervisor. No more than 10 laps are recorded per child per noon recess.
Since Oct. 1, 900 miles (19,800 laps) have been recorded, and currently 150 kids and their teachers have achieved their first mile. There are 21 elementary students who have achieved their 10th mile. A second grader recently logged her 30 mile, and a first grader has walked 29 miles.
In conjunction with the 10 Mile Club, program organizers announced that February was "Happy, Healthy Heart" month. Along with tips on nutrition, exercise and a catchy theme song, a challenge was issued: whichever class walked the most laps in the month of February, would win a Subway dinner for their class. Thanks in part to February's mild weather, 11,000 laps (528 miles) were walked. Miss Figi's fourth grade class won with 2,494 laps. Mrs. Ula's first grade class came in at a close second place and were awarded a treat of their choosing. They chose a healthy platter of fruit.
