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by: Janice Godshalk
Some students throughout the years in the Pen Argyl school district attend after-school programs, some students even attend programs when they are young.
While a portion of elementary age students may join academic programs or band, others may look for other activities to fill their time and expend their energy. One program such a student may find is Fun and Fit.
Fun and Fit is a program that exists to offer elementary students an after-school activity that allows them the opportunity to learn about new games or ways to exercise, help instill healthy habits and good sportsmanship, and move.
This program also incorporates high school students in coaching and leadership roles to help with the young students.
This year’s first session was on February 23 and the sessions went through May 11.
Program coordinators use the hour and half block of time help elementary studens with homeowrk, have a snack, and play games.
Hannah Watch, senior and Fun and Fit coach, said,“My favorite part of the program is helping and working with the younger students. I am an older sister, and it’s nice being able to use that skill in helping others.”
Photo Courtesy of Cassidy Tabor
Second grade students at Plainfield Elementary participate in a cardio drumming activity during a Fun and Fit session.
The elementary students sign up via a permission slip sent home prior to the start date. Then, the elementary school program advisors split the students into grade level cohorts. Each cohort has four sessions.
High school coaches and elementary faculty supervisors are compensated for the time, but the program has minimal overhead costs since the Plainfield Elementary facility is used.
Heather Lilly, principal of Plainfield Elementary, remarked that the Fun and Fit program exists because the school wants to promote healthy living in a fun way.
Lilly is tasked with overseeing the program and remaining at the school to help or in case of an emergency.
Lilly said, “I like to see the high school coaches interacting with the younger students as good role models. The students love Fun and Fit and Miss Miller, Miss Tabor, and the student coaches do a great job of making it fun!”
Cassidy Tabor, director, plans the schedule and activities for the program. She also oversees the games students play and manages any behaviors, if necessary. She also communicates with parents when necessary and manages pick-up at the end of each session.
Tabor said, “I love watching students try something new for the first time. We have a volunteer who teaches each of the grades cardio drumming for one session, and it is awesome watching the students give it their best try. The students love this program, and when they see me or Miss. Miller in the hallway, they usually like to mention their excitement for the program or missing it when it is over. I love getting to be the director of such a fun and exciting program, it allows me to have fun at the end of my day too.”
After school programs have been part of schools for years. And while some may entail a ball or an instrument, that’s not all there is to be offered. Pen Argyl also includes programs where you can aid the younger generation, like the Fun and Fit program.
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