The Healthy Paws Fitness Club of Bayville

It was 8:15 last Friday morning and the bell to start the day at H&M Potter Elementary School in Bayville would not ring for another 35 minutes. 

However in the back of the school dozens of children were lined up at a gate and waiting for it to open. When it did they were greeted by Phys Ed teacher Jason Miller and 4^th grade teacher Kevin Waldron who shouted “Healthy Paws, Happy Friday!”

With upbeat music playing in the background the students flocked to tables where they would sign in for the day.  Welcome to the Healthy Paws Fitness Club, now in its second year and an innovative method of helping kids raise their energy level in the morning and focus better in the classroom.  In addition it helps them get in shape, improve their coordination and learn that exercise can be fun.

It was started last year by Waldron, Miller and fellow teachers Michael Colarusso, Allyson Lorenc and Jenn Spinoso.  Three days a week starting in late February and through the end of the school year the five come in early and set up some very cool fitness stations around a walking trail.  There’s jump ropes, hula hoops, hop scotch, small hurdles to run over and a couple of neat obstacles courses.

Kids are encouraged to do whatever they want but the one stipulation is they have to keep moving and the music helps, even if it’s more familiar to the adults then children.  By the way the teachers don’t hesitate to jump in and I caught a couple of double-dutchers along the way.  They also use positive reinforcement to get everyone involved and it’s a truly impressive sight.  Other teachers join in the fun with the walking trail a favorite.

So how popular has the Healthy Paws Fitness Club become?  It started last spring with about 60 members on a somewhat regular basis and that number has more than doubled this year.  It’s open to 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th graders and if they have a younger sibling in Kindergarten or 1^st grade they are allowed to participate but must stay with their older brother or sister.

Berkeley Schools Superintendent Dr. James Roselli said about a third of the eligible students in the school are involved which is especially impressive when you consider parents have to drop them off  early. The interaction between the teachers and children was truly inspiring to witness and I’m not so sure the “Fab 5” don’t have as much fun as the kids themselves.

The feedback from everyone has been extremely positive so a big shout-out to the H&M Potter School, making a difference in its home town!