In the Zone Issue 11 / Winter 2024
Physical Activity, Life Skills, and More PE Funds JULI NEACE Health and Physical Education Teacher, Highlands Middle School (Fort Thomas, KY)
I
was excited when SHAPE America offered the health. moves. minds.® FUNdraiser opportunity because it provided another avenue to not only raise funds for health and physical education but also connect with the students and community through the provided lessons. (I had participated in Jump Rope For Heart for seven years.) Our second year implementing the health. moves. minds. FUNdraiser (2022-2023) was a huge success! I learned from the previous year that it not only brings students together but also empowers them to take ownership of their actions. The students focus on the good stuff — the life lessons — and learn about kindness and gratitude. Combining that with the fact that we are raising funds for our school and creating
#2 TOP CHAMPION SCHOOL For 2022-2023, Highlands Middle School was one of three schools to receive the health. moves. minds.® FUNdraiser Top Champion School award. Total Amount Raised:
Gopher Gift Card Received:
Best Year Yet Incentive VISA Gift Card:
$9,570
$5,263.50
$25
Items Purchased With Gopher Gift Card: 9 Square in the Air; Scooters; Equipment for Outside; Golf Equipment
unforgettable moments along the way makes the journey with health. moves. minds. priceless. I absolutely love the health. moves. minds. FUNdraiser because it aligns with the goals of the physical education program and deepens relationships within the school and community. By focusing on building character and teaching students to be kind and grateful, we realize that we can accomplish more when we work together. I adore the moments we have together to do this. Students understand the importance of our focus and can use the knowledge to advocate for health. Students are able to explain to teachers why it is crucial to take brain breaks, how physical activity impacts the brain, and how it benefits them in the classroom — it’s amazing.
Fundraiser Planning and Benefits
Students at Highlands Middle School selected 9 Square in the Air equipment as one of the items to purchase with the funds raised through health. moves. minds.
The health. moves. minds.® FUNdraiser brings together the lessons, activities, and community-building ideas that help students live their best life. You can share your success with your health. moves. minds. FUNdraiser — and shine a light on how it is bringing positive change to your school — by contributing to In the Zone! If interested, email sjumps@shapamerica.org.
It is important for our school to have our health. moves. minds. FUNdraiser on the school calendar so everyone knows when it is. We had our fundraiser for two weeks during March Madness. The last day included a walk to school event with “chalk the walk,” which created positive vibes as students walked to school. Families were encouraged to “chalk” on driveways, so as students walked to school they could see the messages. This gave them a fun way to experience physical activity in their celebration. Teachers added to the enthusiasm by meeting students along the way or greeting them with a high five as they arrived at school. It was a great way to celebrate a successful event. The health. moves. minds. FUNdraiser impacts our school in so many ways. It provides us with additional funding for our health and physical education program, promotes the well-being of our students and staff, and offers an opportunity to teach the students the importance of kindness, gratitude, mindfulness, and essential life skills such as teamwork, advocacy, and goal setting. (continued on page 4)
Learn more and register at healthmovesminds.org
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