FIRST GRADER Leah Morgan stands with her bike Friday morning.

FIRST GRADER Leah Morgan stands with her bike Friday morning.

BRUNSWICK

In an effort to install a culture of health and fitness for Brunswick youth, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Coffin elementary schools students are walking and biking to class one day each month. That’s part of a 10-year tradition.

Physical Education teacher Lynn D’Agostino said about 700 kids participate in the event, held the third Friday each month, weather-permitting.

Students are dropped off at Crimmins field, and begin the walk or bike ride to the school,through a pathway to Columbia Ave., each grade wearing different colors. Parents are also invited to participate.

KALAN, in third grade, waits for his friend to get off the bus Friday before the walk to school.

KALAN, in third grade, waits for his friend to get off the bus Friday before the walk to school.

D’Agostino said the goal is to help teach health and wellness beyond the classroom.

The school has been encouraging healthier snacks in the adoption of an updated wellness policy, and also has recently had three water filling stations placed in the school, made possible through a grant written by D’Agostino. Mid Coast Hospital and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine are supporters of the event.

The school has also adopted the 5-2-1-0 program, as part of a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention program implemented throughout the state, which encourages eating fruits and vegetables, increased outside activity, less screen time and eliminating sugary drinks.

Becky Wilkoff, who has been a volunteer with the walking and biking event for seven years, said for her, it’s fun to see the students surprise themselves with how much fun they can have in the walk to school.


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