A little extra boost for student health is making its way through USD 257.
Each of Iola’s three schools recently received $2,000 in grant funding to support physical activity and wellness programs, thanks to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation’s Healthy Habits for Life initiative. The program helps schools find new ways to keep kids moving while also promoting nutrition, heart health and overall well-being.
This year, 102 schools across Kansas received funding through the program, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
At Iola Middle School, PE and weights teacher Scott Ellis said the grants have made a noticeable difference over the years. Ellis has successfully applied several times, starting back in 2013 when he used funds for classroom visual aids.
Since then, the program has grown. A 2015 grant helped purchase kettlebells for weights classes, giving students a chance to learn basic strength training. More recently, a 2023 grant brought a Gaga Ball pit to the school.
“Gaga Ball has quickly become a favorite activity among our students,” Ellis said. “It provides an opportunity for all students, regardless of skill level, to participate and stay active in a fun environment.”
Gaga ball is a high-energy variation of dodgeball played in an octagonal pit called a “gaga pit.” Players use their hands to strike a soft foam ball, aiming to hit opponents below the knee to eliminate them.
Ellis said the game’s fast-paced, inclusive nature has helped boost participation and excitement in PE classes.
THIS YEAR’S grant funding has also expanded opportunities in other middle school PE classes. Hollie Marlow, girls PE teacher at Iola Middle School, said funds were used to purchase new pedometers.
“This has opened up the opportunity for students to track their steps during PE and gain an idea of how much physical activity they are receiving in class,” Marlow said.
Marlow’s Fitness Foundations class recently participated in a “Step-Challenge,” where students wore pedometers daily to track their steps while taking part in a variety of activities. This changed students’ mentality from just trying to “win the game” into students trying to maximize their individual movement, noted Marlow.
“At the end of the week, students received a first-, second- or third-place medal depending on how many steps they gained throughout the ‘Step-Challenge,’” Marlow said.
She said the pedometers have helped increase engagement in a unique way.
“Students are definitely intrigued by the pedometers. They enjoy wearing them to learn how many steps they take during class,” she said. “I like that the pedometers individualize activities and create a sense of accomplishment when students see the number of steps they can take in class.”
AT THE elementary school, teachers say the funding has helped keep younger students engaged by adding variety to PE classes.
“The grant has helped each of our schools tremendously,” said Chris Weide, who teaches PE for kindergarten through second grade.
