WOW! Coles Elementary students gain healthy opportunities through “Healthy Kids” grant
Coles Elementary School received a $2,000 Healthy Kids Grant from the Community
Foundation for Northern Virginia. The money will be used for the launch of the
WOW, “Work Out Weekly” program for fourth and fifth-grade students. “Healthy Kids” Grants are awarded to
schools to help fund programs that increase physical activity and/or improve
nutrition. This year the foundation awarded $20,245. Coles Elementary is the only
Prince William County Public School to receive a grant.
When the weather permits, students can exercise
outside, but as physical education teacher Laurie Brady explained, “When the
weather gets cooler, we want to have a similar workout
program for students inside. Morning workouts will help them focus
better in their classes and builds their activity levels in general.”
Brady added, “We really want to bring up our fitness
scores. The scores are useful indicators of student health and
show us where help is needed. And helping our students to build
lifelong healthy habits starts now!”
Coles Elementary students are excited about the
program.
"I like exercising before school! It makes my brain smarter,”
said a fourth-grade student. While another fourth-grader added, "Exercising
makes me happy!" Their fifth-grade schoolmate shared, "I like
learning how to keep my body strong and healthy in our morning fitness routines.”
Ramona Richardson, Coles Elementary kindergarten
teacher and supporter of Brady’s endeavors, petitioned for the grant. “As
students come off the bus in the morning they do the exercises before going to
their homeroom. The research shows that increased oxygen flow results in better
attention. Brady has also noticed an increased flexibility and athletic
endurance of our students.”