Grayslake school walks for cancer

A parade of countries in the spirit of the Summer Olympics will kick off Meadowview School's annual Relay Recess for Life on Tuesday, June 5. The walk is to raise money for the American Cancer Society and promote awareness of healthy lifestyles.

Each class at Meadowview School is learning about a different country – ranging from Norway to Japan – for the relay's Olympic theme. Amy Ori, first grade teacher and Relay Recess committee head, said students will also be learning about healthy lifestyles and good choices in the days leading up to the walk.

“The whole school – staff and students- comes together for the Relay Recess,” said Ori.

This is the third year Meadowview School, 291 Lexington Lane, Grayslake, has organized a Relay Recess for Life using the American Cancer Society healthy lifestyle curriculum. Previous years have generated about $10,000 through various fundraising activities such as selling luminaria bags and collecting donations for the walk. This year the Student Council will also be selling popcorn as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Laura Morgan, Meadowview School principal, said this annual event is a highlight of the year. “It's really important because of the focus on healthy lifestyles and being active. The students look forward to it every year,” she said.

The Relay Recess events at Meadowview School will begin Thursday, May 31 and conclude on June 5 with the walk itself. During those days, classes will have opportunities to participate in active lifestyle games such as tug of war, jump rope, parachutes, relay races, water balloon games and kickball.

Through age-appropriate lessons, children will learn about cancer prevention such as avoiding tobacco and using sunscreen. They also focus on healthy eating and exercise.

To generate some more excitement about this year's relay, a committee of staff members chose an Olympic theme. Each class has a country and will be learning about the language and culture of their country.

“We have many activities planned for students to learn about their countries and about healthy living. These activities help the children get excited about the walk,” said Ori.

During the Relay Recess students will walk with pennants from their countries. On Tuesday, June 5 the multipurpose room will turn into a parade of nations with luminarias for cancer as the entire school kicks off the relay itself.

Classes will take turns walking all day and will transition to the next class by passing along the school mascot, a stuffed Meadowview Mustang.

Morgan said the entire range of activities is meaningful and fun for students, but her favorite part of the multi-day event is the kick off. “It's very moving with the luminarias and it is a recap of everything we've been working on with healthy lifestyles,” said Morgan.

The annual event has become an important part of the school year's closure. “By being exposed to these activities they increase their knowledge of healthy lifestyles and good choices,” Morgan said.