WINDSOR — More than a dozen students at Windsor Elementary School and West Windsor Elementary School recently played a game of tag with a twist.
The player who was “it” had to find and tag other students, was blindfolded, and relied on the guidance of an aide to focus on the other students.
“I literally see nothing but blue!” 8-year-old Beckett Bashay exclaimed as she donned a blue bandanna for her turn as “It.” He kept his arms outstretched as helper Henry Griffin, 8, gave verbal instructions until the other players were close enough to team up.
The game was played on the lawn outside the Windsor High School building last Wednesday, and its purpose was to emphasize the importance of learning from and helping others.
The students are part of one of the newest chapters of Finding Our Stride, an Upper Valley nonprofit founded in 2011 by Norwich resident Jenny Williams. The program aims to get children active outdoors while building social and emotional skills through games and runs. Twenty-two schools in the Upper Valley have after-school running teams.
“I love running,” Henry said, grabbing the garden hose during a water break. “I like running super fast.”
Eight-year-old Liam Mace was quick to point out that he was faster than his 10-year-old brother Jack.
But Finding Our Stride isn’t about speed.
“The goal of this program is not to create runners, but to create healthy children, support their social, emotional and physical development, and help them make an impact in their communities.” said Executive Director Greg DeFrancis.
Find Our Stride is free. DeFrancis said Windsor teachers Megan Roberts and Melissa Fox practice twice a week, and the program provides snacks for everyone and students who need appropriate running shoes. They are offering coupons.
Fox, who teaches middle school science at Windsor School, said she enjoys interacting with the children before they arrive in the classroom.
“I love the opportunity to build relationships with elementary school kids who will become my students in a few years,” she said.
DeFrancis is in his third month as executive director of Finding Our Stride. He served as Director of Education at the Monscher Museum of Science for more than 20 years. He is also a runner, cyclist, and Nordic skier, and teaches elementary and middle school Nordic skiing in the Ford Thayer program. He said directing “Finding Our Stride” combines his love of creating engaging learning opportunities with his passion for outdoor activities.
“I’m really proud of the work we do, but especially our focus is on being welcoming and inclusive and helping children develop,” he said. Ta.
Before COVID-19 disrupted school and exercise routines, Windsor School and Albert Bridge School in West Windsor were running a national nonprofit running program for elementary and middle school girls. Participated in Girls on the Run. As athletic schedules return to normal, Roberts said Finding Our Strides seemed like a better fit for more kids because it’s co-ed.
Wednesday’s group was evenly divided between girls and boys, ranging from second to fifth grade.
Roberts said the wide range of age groups and running abilities could be a challenge.
“Older children are better at pacing themselves,” she says. “They are able to run longer distances more consistently. Younger children tend to sprint or walk.”
Last Wednesday, after stretching in the gym and warming up with a game of blindfold tag, the kids and coaches took to the high school’s outdoor track and field to walk, run, and walk, just as the Windsor football team practices. Or a combination of both for 20 minutes. infield.
A pile of colorful soft wristbands was placed next to the truck, and each child picked up one wristband after completing a lap.
Students and coaches were mindful of distances as some students were preparing for this weekend’s running events.
Finding Our Stride participates in the annual CHaD HERO run and fundraising event held each fall to benefit Dartmouth Health Children’s Center. The event includes a half marathon, 5K run, 5K walk, and a 1-mile “fun run.”
This year, DeFrancis estimates more than 400 Finding Our Stride runners, including children, parents and coaches, will participate in CHaD HERO this Sunday in Hanover. As of Monday afternoon, Finding Our Stride had raised more than $56,000.
When Fox and Roberts returned to the gym Wednesday afternoon, they led the group in a sprint that drew cheers from everyone. “Running, running is so good for me!”
Christina Dolan can be reached at cdolan@vnews.com or 603-727-3208.
