School District: Cherokee County
Sixes Elementary began Georgia Shape’s Power Up for 30 program in August 2014. After implementing their action plan for one year, Sixes Elementary is already seeing positive improvements in student health, behavior and academic performance.
Sixes gives students a variety of options to enjoy an additional 30 minutes of physical activity each day. After the buses drop students off in the morning, they have an opportunity to walk around the gym instead of sitting and waiting until classes begin. The school also offers “Lunch-Walk” during lunch time during which students walk for 15 minutes after eating lunch while being supervised by parent volunteers.
Sixes also created an indoor recess program that allows students to participate in fun, energetic dance routines if they cannot play outside for recess.
Students at Sixes agree that being more active throughout the day is helping to improve their academics, a well-documented finding that links positive academic improvements to increased physical activity.
“Being able to walk in the gym in the morning wakes me up and I don’t feel as tired when I get to class,” said Elizabeth, a fifth grade student.
Harrison, also a fifth grade student, agrees saying that he doesn’t feel as motivated during the day without his walk in the mornings.
Teachers and staff can see the benefits of Power Up for 30 every day and look forward to the long-lasting impact the program will have on the students.
“Benefits of the activities we have in place for Power Up for 30 are two-fold,” said Cindy Crews, principal at Sixes Elementary. “The ultimate goal we are achieving is that our students are moving more, hopefully instilling in them an awareness of lifelong healthy habits.”
She adds that with the additional opportunities to move, students are more likely to focus in class and less likely to make a visit to her office – a benefit Sixes’ faculty members and students both value!
For more information on Sixes Elementary School, visit www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/sixes-es.
