Respectful, Responsible, Positive: A.S. Rhodes Elementary Affirms Stellar Values Through Calisthenics in the Early Morning

“This is my third year running this group at ASR,” said Debra Curtis in an email interview. Curtis is one of the teachers, and the group meets at 7 a.m. for a brisk workout routine. “I started it because I saw firsthand the benefits it had on my own son in another school division. My main goal is to help students be able to focus when they go to class and score higher on tests/quizzes in their classrooms. I want them to build connections with students here at ASR, not only in their grade level, but all grade levels.

First on the scene at A.S. Rhodes Elementary, Elan Arnold (L) and Nate Arnold are ready for a brisk morning exercise. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

“I have been able to see fifth graders become leaders and role models for the little ones,” she said. “I have seen improvements in scores for my students on tests/quizzes as well. I have had the pleasure to see students grow and hear about that growth from their parents. One parent commented on how long their driveway is and that their daughter is now able to beat them up the driveway because of the running/walking club. Another parent has said that her son has better focus in school because he is able to get the extra energy out beforehand.”

A.S. Rhodes Elementary teacher Debra Curtis takes attendance for an early morning walk and run group.

“Our goal at ASR is to have students be respectful, responsible, and positive,” she went on. “This club reinforces that by encouraging students to show those qualities not only during school hours, but outside of those hours. Students leave their time with me with the message, ‘Let your light shine.’ To me, this encompasses my goal. I want them to go into their classrooms and show their teacher that they know how to be respectful, responsible, and positive throughout their day and in all situations. This club has only affirmed my passion for teaching because I am able to connect with students of all ages here at ASR. I have students who have left our doors to go to middle school who eagerly come back to say hello on these days. I get to see the light in their eyes when they see their very first sunrise. I get to hear about what they are learning in class, and I help them prepare for a test by quizzing them on questions while we walk together. It fills me with joy to hear the positive words from kids and parents alike.”

Students engage in a warm-up routine.

Walking or running, students mix up the morning’s calisthenics with a game of hopscotch.