School Spotlight: Park Brook Elementary Has ‘Focus on Fitness’
Park Brook Elementary School’s “Focus on Fitness” is a way to stimulate academic growth through physical movement. The goal is to incorporate fitness and movement into each school day to spur academic growth and positive behavior.
One way you can keep the students moving is by having a Double Dutch team. They are a nimble and hard working group.
“You have to be quick on your feet,” said fourth-grader Irelynn Cooper. “It’s good to be fit. It’s fun and a lot of the activities that you can do can be fun for fitness.”
The team meets a few times during the week to practice and then they perform for students.
“You get to see your friends every Tuesday and Thursday and you get to make a program to perform for other schools and other students,” said Brooklyn Schlichter, a fifth grader.
But Double Dutch is just one part of Park Brook’s “Focus on Fitness.”
“Teachers stop about every half hour for a brain boost which gets the kids up and moving,” said Scott Taylor, principal. “Increasing fitness helps with depression, anxiety, overall mood, mental health and so I do think Park Brook kids enjoy coming to school.”
The goal is to incorporate fitness and movement into each school day.
Besides during the school day, there are several after school activities to pick from as well. Students ran in a 5K last October and last month navigated a so-called “Kidarod” outdoor obstacle course. Kids even skied at the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival.
“You get to learn new things and meet new friends,” said Atenea Tapia Morrow, a fourth grader.
Park Brook’s Double Dutch Team
See also: Maple Grove Company Gives Park Brook Elementary $10,000
