Hance Elementary has a new Fitness Trail!  This year, Hance won a Highmark High 5 Challenge Grant and implemented the PaceSetter Program. Various goals and objectives were set to target increasing student’s physical activity, increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables and staff wellness choices.

In line with the goal of increasing physical activity, Hance expanded the Mileage Club to include the 3rd grade along with the 4th & 5th this year. The Spring Mileage Club has resumed April 1st. In addition, the idea of utilizing existing playground equipment to create a fitness trail was discussed among the Hance Wellness Committee as a positive challenge for students to increase strength, agility, balance & endurance.

With the hard work and dedication of many Hance Wellness committee members, the fitness trail was designed. Mrs. Terry Lea Wentz Certified School Nurse along with the Physical Education staff, Mr. John Fotta & Mr. Matt Hugus spent many hours working on the layout of the signs. The Art teacher, Mr. Kerry Boyd designed the graphics. On April 1st, Hance’s custodian, Mr. Harry Daniels, nicely displayed the signs outside.

Some of the highlights of the Fitness Trail include: The Fence Squat, Balance Walk, Bench Push-Ups, Lift Off & Dinosaur Walk. The Physical Education staff will now educate the Hance student population regarding the utilization of the trail to enhance their fitness in the coming weeks. The hope is that students who are looking for a little more of a challenge will use their recess time in a more structured way thus promoting an increase in their strength, agility, balance & endurance.