Temperatures dipping into the low 50s did not deter more than 50 third, fourth and fifth graders at Wrightsville Beach School from exercising before school started the morning of Oct. 20.
Kids zipped up jackets and warmed hands in the nooks of their elbows while they waited to check in with physical education teacher Joelle Newman. Newman started the Get Up & Move Club Oct. 1, opening the track from 7:30-7:50 a.m. Monday through Thursday for kids to walk and run before settling down at their desks.
Turnout has been strong, with between 40 and 60 participants logging more than 200 total laps each day. Newman was interested to see if colder temperatures would impact participation, but fifth grader Josh Gans said he likes to run on brisk mornings.
“I like the feel of running, especially when it’s colder outside. I like the wind in my face,” Gans said.
Newman said many students enjoy fitness, and are motivated to come out regardless of weather.
“This early in the morning, everyone that comes out here really wants to run and walk,” Newman said. “These kids are active. This is an active community. The kids that this weather would deter probably wouldn’t come out anyways.”
Many kids said they come early every morning because they enjoy running.
Aliam Appler and Brooks Isear, both fourth graders, run in the morning to train for 5k races, like the upcoming Turkey Trot. Fifth graders Cate Beste and Allie Royal are excited to run in the mornings since they were unable to join Girls on the Run this year.
Joca Trecco, fourth grader, said he likes the opportunity to socialize before school.
“It’s fun because you get to run with your friends and talk with your friends before your teacher says, ‘No talking!’” he said.
Teachers Kim Golder and Christine Born said the club gets kids excited for school each day.
“They are so excited when they get to school. My children are racing to school to see who can be the first person on the track,” Golder said.
“They would come every day if they could,” Born added.
Sandra Roberts, fourth grade teacher, said she took her class out for morning walks last spring. She likes to join kids for morning exercise. All three teachers said kids are better prepared for work after starting their day on the track.
“Instead of coming in and having to sit down, they can get their wiggles out and get some fresh air in their lungs, open up their eyes and wake up a little bit,” Roberts said.
Charles Wilt and his fellow fifth grade classmates said running in the morning helps them focus in class.
“It gives you a chance to let out your energy. In the morning, I have a lot of energy,” Wilt said.
Madeline Elgart agreed and said the exercise also works as a stress buster.
“It lets me calm down in the morning, because sometimes I’m a little stressed,” Elgart said.
Reagan Roberts agreed, but after good mornings, she said it takes her a second to switch gears.
“Sometimes I get all happy because I did so many laps,” Roberts said.
Newman plans to compare end-of-grade test scores with classroom participation to see if exercise boosts academic performance.
The Wrightsville Beach School PTA supports the program by organizing parent volunteers and paying for toe tokens, little plastic charms kids can put on shoelaces.
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