New Milford Students Inspired by Walking Project

By Nanci Hutson
Staff Writer

His first miles were logged right on the track that loops behind the school off Sunny Valley Road.

"I think it'll help us be healthier and walk more, instead of just sitting around inside. It's a good idea,'' Sproule said after the launch of the fourth annual school Walking Project for fifth-graders.

The theme this year is "Triple E,'' with a focus on exercise, eating healthy and the environment.

In the opening ceremony for the month-long project, a crew of girls from teacher Alice Cherniske's class led their schoolmates and staff in a rousing kick-off cheer.

"Eating healthy will keep you well; Good meals and snacks we're here to tell, Will keep you alert at school and play; No junk food for us is what we say.

"Keep on moving throughout the day, And all your stress will go away... Recycle, recycle is the thing to do. ...''

Several sixth-graders told how the Walking Project prompted them to rethink their exercise and eating habits, as well as to keep the environment clean.

"I felt better after getting fresh air,'' said sixth-grader Guy Scarcella, noting that walking is a great way to strengthen heart muscle.

He also discovered eating a piece of fruit was far better than "eating a bag of Skittles.''

Several of the sixth-graders said they believe the Walking Project gave them a desire to make exercise, healthy eating and care for the environment a lifelong habit.

Sixth-grader Mikyala O'Brien recalled reading the Dr. Seuss book "The Lorax,'' which is about the importance of taking care of the world around you and learning how to properly interpret food labels. Everyone enjoyed taking a break from classwork to go outside and walk or play, she said.

As part of the Walking Project, sponsors from the business and health community become the students' walking partners and go to the school a few times a week to walk with the class.

They all wear pedometers and keep track of their distances on a daily basis.

This year the school had 31 businesses serving as walking partners, donors to the project, or both.

The goal for this year is for the students to walk the equivalent of 52,010 miles -- the number symbolizes the fifth-graders and 2010. Walking an average of five miles a day each, the students were told they should easily be able to reach that number or more.

On the track after the opening ceremony, Kathy Thomas, United Way of Western Connecticut's New Milford assistant, said the project fits perfectly into the agency's focus on fighting childhood obesity and she welcomes the opportunity to do her part.

Contact Nanci Hutson at nhutson@newstimes.com or at 860- 354-2274.