 Three years ago the school was able to incorporate additional
health, wellness and good nutrition literature and activities after
receiving a CATCH grant, which promotes physical education
curriculum in the schools. The name stands for Community Access to
Child Health.Thursday's walk was also the kickoff event for a
student walk-a-thon to raise funds for a special program planned for
May. Friday morning Chester-East Lincoln students took their walking
shoes to the Lincoln Community High School track. Younger students
rode buses, and older students walked down Pulaski Street to the
site.
Each student had a laminated card displaying the outline of a
foot. Inside the foot were the numbers 1 through 8. Each time a
student walked around the track, a teacher or volunteer punched the
next number. After the eighth trip, the student had completed two
miles.
Students had solicited pledges of $1 per mile as part of the
fundraising effort. On the back of each student's foot card was
written their name and the school year, so it served as a counter
for the walk, but also as a keepsake of their accomplishment.
Students not only had a good (and windy) morning walk, but they
helped raise funds for the special program in the spring. And, what
is that special program? Actually it is something the students do
themselves, as a learning experience and as entertainment for an
audience.
"Every three years we have Cirque Amongus as a spring program,"
explained Mrs. Aper, CEL's physical education instructor. "This is
the big year. We plan for it and raise money throughout the school
year.
"On May 15, Cirque Amongus will be at the school in the morning,
assisting students as they practice an assortment of 10 acts," Mrs.
Aper said. "After lunch break, the children choose an act to learn,
and they are instructed and allowed to practice during the
afternoon."
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Cirque Amongus instructors are experienced, professional circus
performers. The company provides costumes, and makeup artists give
students an image to match their part. A volunteer team of over 60
individuals, including teachers and parents, will assist. There are
currently 281 students enrolled at CEL.
"Students will learn regular circus acts like tumbling, juggling,
plate balancing, trapeze, low-wire walking and tricycle riding,"
Mrs. Aper continued. "Everyone is involved, and by the end of the
afternoon they will be dressed, made up and ready to be a circus
performer."
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Online:
http://www.cirqueamongus.com/
[By MARLA BLAIR]
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