Leepertown recognized for Fitness program
BUREAU - Students and staff at Leepertown Elementary learned a bit this spring about moving and crunching.
Amber Harper, superintendent for Leepertown Elementary School, led her school this spring in the Move and Crunch Challenge for Principals. Leepertown was recognized on June 2 as one of 32 elementary and middle schools participating in the statewide challenge, which was co-sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Department of Human Services.
As a lead participant in the Move and Crunch Challenge, Harper said she focused on walking for the month-long program in March. She wore a pedometer to keep track of her steps. With a background in dance and physical education, she enjoyed the focus on movement, Harper said.
"I embrace the whole fitness/wellness belief, but sometimes we get so caught up in everything we have to do that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves," Harper said.
Participating in the Move and Crunch Challenge helped her make a renewed and concentrated effort at getting more exercise and becoming more fit, Harper said.
State Superintendent Christopher Koch commended Harper and the other administrators for setting a good example for their students and staff.
"I applaud the efforts of each school principal for being a role model leading the way to a healthier lifestyle for our students," Koch said.
In looking at the Leepertown challenge, Harper credited wellness instructor Staci Sessler with helping to make the Leepertown students and staff healthier. Employed by the University of Illinois Extension Service, Sessler heads up Leepertown's food and nutrition program. She made sure the district was at its highest level of good food and nutrition and met state requirements, Harper said.
Sessler said the importance of physical activity can't be overlooked by school districts and families. For the past two years, Sessler has implemented and led a daily nutrition and fitness program for the Leepertown pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students.
For the Move & Crunch Challenge, Sessler had students and some adults roller-skating, while others started walking times. She also sent home information with the students encouraging their families to increase their physical activities, like biking and walking, and promoting good nutrition in their homes.
"I had lots of positive feedback from the parents," Sessler said. "I think nowadays too many kids stay inside and play video games or watch television. As a school district, we need to help them and their families understand the importance of physical fitness. The sooner we teach them about good nutrition and exercise, the better chance there is for our kids to carry those practices into their adult lives."
By Donna Barker
dbarker@bcrnews.com
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