FARMINGTON — W.G. Mallett School students and staff kicked off the WinterKids Winter Games Monday, Jan 7 with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. Students carried torches and marched in a parade of flags much like athletes do in the worldwide event.
Aiden Wing, at left, and Abigail Toothaker proudly carry torches Monday, Jan. 7 in the W.G. Mallett School WinterKids Winter Games opening ceremony. Mallett is one of 31 schools statewide competing in the games. (Franklin Journal photo by Dee Menear)
The WinterKids Winter Games is a physical and nutritional competition that encourages young children to develop healthy habits over the course of the four-week program. Each week of the program features a challenge, and the percentage of students who complete the challenge will determine how many points the school receives. Bonus points can be earned by exceeding the minimum activity requirements, inviting guest speakers to school, and including non-teaching staff in the competition.
“The competition is great for our school and we are the only school in Franklin County competing against 30 other schools across the state for the coveted Gold Medal and $5,000 prize,” said Principal Tracy Williams.
The second-place school will earn a $3,000 donation. The third-place school will receive a $1,500 donation. Other prizes include a school visit by an author; winter equipment for the school; and new selections for the school library.
“The primary effort is to increase the options for creative outdoor exercise and fun in conjunction with the theme, “Literacy”,” added Williams.
In the first week, students were challenged to complete five outdoor activities such as an outdoor story walk, snow yoga, and a nature walk.
“Next week, the focus will be on nutrition,” said Williams. “The following week is a family focus and we are planning a family night for Thursday, Jan 24.”
The family event will include sliding, a bonfire and indoor literacy and math games. The fourth and final week will include a winter carnival celebrating outdoor activity.
“Additionally, we have three display stations in our hallways to spotlight student writing and some of the writing ties in with our activities: Winter Acrostic Poems, Winter Haiku, and other writing response activities,” Williams added.
For more information, or to keep track of the weekly scoreboard, visit winterkids.org.
dmenear@thefranklinjournal.com
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