At Rowe Elementary School physical education teacher Rene Custeau shared this report on a running initiative at the school this fall: “September and October were filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of community thanks to the Recess Runners Program. Kicking off on September 24th, this month-long initiative encouraged students to get moving, challenge themselves, and raise funds to support their school. And when the program culminated in a Walk-a-Thon fundraiser on October 25th, it was clear that this was more than just a fitness event—it was a celebration of student health, school spirit, and the power of working together as a community.

Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to run, jog, and walk during recess, circling a loop around the school’s playground field. The goal was simple: to get kids outside and active while having fun. What started as a challenge quickly turned into a twice a week tradition that had students, teachers, and volunteers alike buzzing with excitement.

Over the course of the program, students logged an impressive 2,318 total miles, with 95% of the school participating. Each day, students set personal goals and cheered one another on as they moved their bodies, strengthened friendships, and embraced the joy of movement. A dozen students went above and beyond, each logging over 20 miles—a testament to their dedication and enthusiasm.

The program also demonstrated the incredible support and involvement of the Rowe School community. With over 50 volunteers committing hours each day to help cover all recess periods, the program ran smoothly and safely, with volunteers cheering on students, tracking their laps, and keeping the momentum high. These volunteers played a key role in ensuring the success of the initiative, and their involvement made it clear that at Rowe, it takes a village to support our kids.

The month of movement reached its peak on October 25th, when the school hosted a Walk-a-thon fundraiser to celebrate all the miles students had logged during recess. Students were challenged to walk, jog, or run for 30 minutes around the school and neighborhood’s quarter-mile loop. In total, they collectively moved 743 miles during the event—further proof of their incredible commitment to staying active. The Walk-a-thon was also a fundraising effort, with families and community members pledging support students. The event raised just under $20,000 for the Rowe School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), which in turn supports initiatives that benefit all Rowe students, including classroom resources, extracurricular activities, and enrichment programs.

But beyond the miles moved and funds raised, the benefits of this program went far deeper. It is clear that physical activity improves students’ health, focus, and well-being, and the Recess Runners Program was a perfect example of how movement can make a difference in all of these areas.

For one, physical activity helps children build stronger muscles, bones, and cardiovascular systems—important factors for growing bodies. The program also fostered a strong sense of community. Whether they were encouraging a friend to keep going or high-fiving a classmate after a lap, students developed social connections and built a supportive school culture. And for many of them, the opportunity to set and achieve personal goals—whether it was to move a certain number of miles or complete a set number of laps—helped them develop resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence.

As the program wrapped up, it was clear that this initiative had achieved far more than just miles or dollars. It had given students the chance to build healthy habits, challenge themselves, and most importantly, connect with one another. Thanks to the generous support of families, volunteers, and the Rowe community, the success of the Recess Runners Program will continue to ripple through the school, supporting both the physical and academic growth of our students.