John Pearl Elementary School students and faculty believe that having a healthy mind and body is essential. On May 24, the school focused on nutrition, exercise and mental health to make them stronger as well as concentrate more on their academics and well-being.

Students attended an assembly with Cohen Children’s Northwell Heath educator and nutritionist Melissa Ganz, who talked about the importance of eating a well-balanced breakfast, the optimal amount of exercise, reducing screen time and limiting sugary drinks. Students created calm down jars filled with glitter and went on a scavenger hunt with their class. There were also opportunities to participate in a yoga class to achieve physical and mental wellness. The most popular activity of the day, however, was a KerboomKidz Dance Fitness assembly which challenged students to dance into a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Date Added: 6/1/2023

John Pearl Elementary School students recently completed a circus performance physical education unit with The National Circus Project. Each of the district’s elementary schools has also completed the unit.

Ring masters Greg Milstein and Mary Kelly Rayel worked with the students during the course of a week, teaching them special circus skills such as juggling, spinning plates, how to be a clown, walking on stilts and the tightwire and the juggling of devil sticks.

Physical education teacher Nick Sturz explained that the unit hones the students’ balance and coordination and presents novel physical challenges and attempts at perseverance. The unit also teaches the students to focus on the task at hand.

“The program also gives students who are not necessarily athletes a chance to shine here,” Mr. Sturz said.

The circus unit culminated at the end of the week with a performance for parents and faculty.

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Date Added: 4/12/2023