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See Casey & Suzy at the 88th State Education Convention on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Movin’ and Munchin’ e-news
Olympians take show on road
Olympic fever spread though Baraboo’s Jack Young Middle School in December. The outbreak was caused by a visit from two state Olympians, speedskater Casey FitzRandolph and runner Suzy Favor Hamilton.
A few days prior to the Olympians’ visit, nearly 700 sixth-through-eighth-grade students gathered on the school athletic field to form three huge Olympic rings, holding up cards in three colors. The school presented a photo of these rings to FitzRandolph and Favor Hamilton after the Movin’ and Munchin’ Challenge event.
That enthusiasm is what Favor Hamilton and FitzRandolph hope to generate as co-chairs of the Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools program, not only in Baraboo but throughout the state.
“Everyone is looking for a long-term solution for obesity, but having an Olympian give kids some time and say they’re special goes a long way,” Favor Hamilton said.
Wellness boost
As part of the initiative to get school staff involved in wellness activities, a “Walk the Halls” program was started at Jack Young, and a plan to involve parents is being developed.
Jack Young Middle School Principal Ben Jones said students had prepared for the Olympians’ visit by reviewing their history and writing down individual goals for being healthy. Jones said students will now construct more detailed wellness goals, and staff will begin logging the time they walk the halls.
Muskego school honored
Meanwhile in October at Muskego High School, FitzRandolph and Favor Hamilton took their message to nearly 2,000 first-through four-grade students and staff from the Muskego-Norway School District. The event was to celebrate Muskego Elementary School’s award-winning efforts in Movin’ and Munchin’ last year and encourage other schools to participate this year.
As Wisconsin natives, FitzRandolph and Hamilton told the students how they loved growing up in the state with the four seasons and varied activities. The Olympians said many of their long-term goals were set early in life. The visit helped prompt two other Muskego-Norway elementary schools to join Movin’ and Munchin this year.
Dr. Joe Schroeder, the Muskego-Norway School District Superintendent, praised the appearance by the Olympians.
“We are very proud of the efforts made by Muskego Elementary last year, and we were thrilled by the goal-setting and healthy-eating message sent by the Olympians,” Schroeder said. “Their appearance gave a great boost to our district staff and students.”
