This week was one of those moments that reminds me why I love what I do. WinterKids Week 1 truly brought out the best in our school community. Many of our Unified Arts teachers intentionally highlighted stretching and checking pulse with students, which helped reinforce the heart-health message across settings and made the learning feel consistent and purposeful for kids.

At recess, we ran relays outside, and the difference in enjoyment and participation, especially for our middle school students was noticeable. Students who don’t always choose to be active during recess were engaged, moving, and encouraging one another. The energy felt positive and inclusive rather than forced, which is exactly what we hope for.

We also took Elementary PE outside this week, and honestly, I don’t know if I’d want to bring these activities back inside again. Being outdoors elevated everything: engagement, joy, and willingness to try. Students had fun, and that fun translated into meaningful movement. One moment that really stood out to me was a student who typically struggles with PE and often opts out or sits during running activities. This week, he was leading the charge outside: moving, smiling, and fully participating. Seeing that shift was incredibly
powerful.

I love finding ways for all students to feel successful, especially those who don’t always see themselves as “active kids.” This week affirmed that when we create the right environment and offer the right opportunities, students rise to the occasion. WinterKids gave us a framework to be creative, flexible, and student-centered, and the results spoke for themselves. The confidence I saw in students, especially those who are often hesitant, was one of the most rewarding parts of the week.

Scoring a 4 on almost all areas of the rubric felt like an authentic reflection of the work happening here. We weren’t just checking boxes; we were creating experiences that mattered. Between the creativity of our activities, the strong staff collaboration, and the visibility from Channel 8 covering our opening ceremony and part of the Snack Pals Heart Walk, our students truly felt celebrated and proud to be part of something bigger.

This week reinforced my belief that movement, joy, and connection belong at the center of our school culture. When students feel successful, supported, and excited to participate, the impact goes far beyond a single week, and that’s the energy I’m excited to carry forward into the rest of WinterKids.