Morning Mile Club
By Laura Dutt, Timber Creek Elementary, Lewisville ISD
Timber Creek students have the opportunity to participate in our Morning Mile club, Monday – Friday mornings. This is open to all students in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Research shows that students are better prepared to learn when their day begins with exercise. Runners and walkers start their day at 7:15 am, out by Tiger Field. They walk or jog laps, while socializing with friends, each morning they choose to participate. Students are recognized on our Morning Mile bulletin board, and receive a foot charm for every 10 miles completed. Spirit sticks are given to the 25 mile runners, and we have a plaque hanging on our bulletin board with the overall runner from last year. We will add this year's winner at the end of the school year. Our top runner right now, a fourth grade girl, was our overall leader last year. She has several students who are trying to move up and take her spot as leader on the board. There are many benefits to this program, including:
- Exercise helps to prevent childhood obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other health concerns.
- Students expend youthful energy and go to class ready to learn.
- Students gain self-confidence while getting more fit.
- Students will develop a dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
Several parents attend the Morning Mile Club in the morning to walk or run with their child. We also work with the Marcus Cross Country team, who join us occasionally and run with our students. Often times, we will provide a Grab-and-Go breakfast for our runners.
We hosted a glow run on Halloween, before setting the clocks back, and have a Jingle Bell Jog planned in December. We also promote “Bring a Friend Friday” to create interest with students who are not active in our program.
Teachers, as well as parents, are appreciative of the program and the students love it as well. We are thankful to be part of the Healthy Zone School program. They gave us funding and inspiration to get this program “running” at our school.