Concrete Elementary School, June 2024 — The kindergarten class at Concrete Elementary School has seen notable success in the 100-Mile Club, guided by their dedicated teacher, Mrs. Lisa Dills. This year, 65% of Mrs. Dills’s kindergarten class met their 100-mile goals, showcasing their hard work and determination.
Mrs. Dills highlighted the positive impact of the 100-Mile Club on her students. She explained how the young learners began their journey with one lap (half a mile) before recess and gradually increased to two laps (one mile). “The 100-Mile Club, a nationally recognized program, aligns perfectly with the 7 Habits (Leader in Me) principles, promoting physical activity while reinforcing essential life skills and academic benefits,” said Mrs. Dills.
Physical Education Teacher Mrs. Cassa Wing offers all elementary students the opportunity to participate in the 100-Mile Club every Monday, allowing them to run for 30 minutes. “The students experience significant academic and health benefits by participating in the 100-Mile Club,” Mrs. Dills shared. “It’s a great way for them to release energy and focus better in class. I am very proud of their achievements.”
Mrs. Dills became interested in the benefits of improving students’ coordination and their preparedness to learn, particularly in reading. She saw the 100-Mile Club, first introduced to Concrete Elementary School by retired teacher Mr. Paul Bianchini, as an excellent way to enhance students’ physical activity, coordination, and readiness to learn.
The results are evident. Over the past six years, Mrs. Dills’s kindergartners have shown significant improvement in reading scores, with this year’s group being no exception. Over 86% of her class met or exceeded the early literacy benchmark this spring, reflecting a growth rate of over 60%.
Concrete Elementary School acknowledges these achievements and the dedication of teachers like Mrs. Lisa Dills, who continually inspire and support their students.
Benefits of the 100-Mile Club for Learning:
The 100-Mile Club offers numerous advantages that go beyond physical fitness. Here are some key benefits:
- Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Regular physical activity helps students release excess energy, improving their ability to concentrate during lessons and reducing restlessness.
- Improved Academic Performance: Studies have shown a strong correlation between physical activity and academic success. Students who exercise regularly tend to perform better in math, reading, and writing.
- Development of Healthy Habits: Early participation in programs like the 100-Mile Club fosters lifelong healthy habits. Students learn the importance of regular exercise and its impact on overall well-being.
- Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem: Achieving milestones like completing 100 miles builds students’ confidence and self-esteem. It instills a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to set and achieve future goals.
- Social Skills and Teamwork: The 100-Mile Club encourages students to work together, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. They learn to support and motivate each other, building strong social connections.
- Alignment with the 7 Habits: The program’s alignment with the 7 Habits principles reinforces essential life skills such as goal-setting, perseverance, and responsibility. Students learn to be proactive, set goals, and take ownership of their progress.
Congratulations to all our young runners on their fantastic achievements!
Emory Litke receives recognition of her 100 Mile Club achievement at the May 30th board meeting. Her award was presented by Mrs. Dills.
