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December 2017 Newsletter: First Shaker Heights Middle School Heart Healthy Challenge is a Success

Teachers dancingThe Shaker Heights Middle School staff celebrated the end of their first Heart Healthy Challenge just before Thanksgiving Break with an Activity Fair on Monday, November 20. The nine-week Challenge, which began on September 18, was the brainchild Middle School principal David Glasner to support the District’s Shaker Has Heart campaign for 2017-2018. 

PE teacher Rob Senor oversaw the initiative and was pleased with the response. “Overall, we had about 35 teachers participate in the challenge,” Mr. Senor says. “I think it was a great opportunity for us all to work together toward a common goal of personal wellness.”

Reading teacher Rebecca Doles says the Challenge inspired her to get back on track to a healthier lifestyle. “I was even able to incorporate healthy activities into the daily routines in my classroom,” she says.

During the nine weeks, staff members were encouraged to try new healthy foods and recipes and to find new ways to exercise. The staff kept track of their progress on an activity bingo card and turned them in at the Activity Fair for a chance to win raffle prizes, including gift cards to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Heinen’s and Whole Foods. Participants who contributed a slide to the Challenge’s Heart Healthy Google Slides presentation and completed the bingo card earned additional chances in the raffle.

“The Heart Healthy Challenge was a great way for our staff and faculty to build community while engaging in healthy lifestyle activities,” Mr. Glasner says. “We will continue to emphasize the importance of taking care of ourselves and our health and fitness in the future."