Teachers, students make strides for fitness

Submitted by West Aurora Unit District 129

More than 700 Jewel Middle School staff and students will be wearing pedometers during their 3.3-mile “Jaguar Stride for Fitness” fundraiser beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21.

North Aurora’s River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge has kindly donated enough pedometers for all students and staff at the North Aurora school. They are also providing a sports car to lead the walk around the neighborhood. Each student will not only use the pedometers to calculate steps during the walk, but also in the classroom. For example, math classes will be calculating how many miles and steps it would take to arrive at a variety of locations across the 50 states. Maps and significant historical places will be reviewed in social studies classes. In language arts, teachers will be facilitating a number of writing prompts that connect to the central theme of the walk-a-thon.

Physical Education Department Chairwoman Susan Ludwigs has been working with teachers in an effort to connect the entire middle school curriculum. The overall objective is to promote a healthier lifestyle among the students and staff at Jewel Middle School.

If you would like to donate, sponsor a Jewel Middle School student. All donations will be used to support the many before- and after-school programs.