Bennett's Buffalo Stampede Keeps Kids Safe and in Shape
Reno, NV (Feb. 22, 2011) - Every month, Esther Bennett Elementary School students are lacing up their running shoes with the ultimate goal of completing 7,000 miles this school year in the Buffalo Stampede. On Thursday, they do so again from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on campus.
The Buffalo Stampede encourages all the school's students to run a mile at the same time. The students run in different areas of the school according to grade. First- through third-graders run on the school's main playground while fourth- through sixth-graders run up a hill. Last year, students ran a collective 5,000 miles.
Principal Michael Henry said the partnership between the school and the District's Safe Routes to Schools program has been positive.
"Our students have enjoyed improving their physical fitness and the challenge of completing a marathon," Henry said. "We have data that indicates that our running program may be instrumental in slightly reducing the obesity levels of some of our students. We are very concerned about these levels, especially in our kindergarten and first grade levels, so we encourage our kids to give up junk food and increase their physical activity."
Students who complete a marathon receive a t-shirt. They also have their picture taken and posted and receive recognition at a quarterly assembly. But for some of the children, attention to their health doesn't just come once a month. Henry said many Bennett students work to stay in shape every day.
"We have several students who run during their recess time and have the duty teacher monitor their laps around the playground," he said. "By doing so, they are able to complete several marathons in one year."
Officer MJ Cloud, coordinator of Safe Routes to Schools, said the program benefits kids in multiple ways.
