Erie, Colorado
INNOVATION COMPETITION WINNER
NATIONAL WINNER
Movement and exercise are more than activities at Red Hawk Elementary. They are foundational elements of the school culture. As a new public school in the St. Vrain Valley School District outside of Denver, Red Hawk built physical activity into the plan from day one. Using a rotating daily “movement calendar”, students gain 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on a daily basis, in addition to scheduled PE class and recess. These in-class movement sessions take place in 20-minute blocks, once in the morning, and once in the afternoon immediately before math and science, the most challenging academic subjects. Favorite activities include the ‘Red Hawk Walk,’ in which students power-walk along designated routes throughout the building, as well as in-class cardio and dance breaks. Each Friday the week ends with “All-School Movement” with all 460 students, faculty and staff heading outside to participate in a coordinated fitness routine set to popular music.