More than half of Howard County?s public elementary schools will establish walking programs, thanks to grants from the county?s PTA Council and Health Department.
“Students need more physical activity during the school day, and this is something that all families can embrace,” said Madeleine Greene, chairwoman of the Howard County Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition.
Twenty of the 38 elementary schools will use grants of $300 each to purchase materials to keep track of how far students walk and prizes to serve as incentives.
“These grants will allow elementary schools to promote health and wellness in a noncompetitive environment,” said Veronika Carella, a PTA member.
The schools must establish walking programs by April 2007.
Swansfield Elementary School in Columbia set the example with its walking program, in which students walk during recess in the back of the school and participate in a Walk-to-School program, said Carella.
The school system?s wellness policy calls for more activity, and the walking programs accomplish that goal, said Mary Jane Barbato-Grauso, president of the county PTA Council.
“It shows that the schools have taken an interest in the wellness policy by offering more exercise for children,” said Barbato-Grauso.
The PTA Council wants middle and high schools to establish similar programs, said Barbato-Grauso.
Elementary school representatives will receive their checks at 7:30 tonight at Faulkner Ridge Center in Columbia, said Carella.
