HORSHAM — Hallowell Elementary School students involved in the Morning Workout program participated in the 12th Annual Covey Bowl featuring “hot potato” touch football on November 22.
About 60 students in grades 3-5 played “hot potato” football, meaning everyone on the team had to touch the football before a touchdown could occur. Students split up into six teams, and three games were played simultaneously in the N. Dennis Steinly Stadium at Hatboro-Horsham High School.
All students are involved in the Morning Workout, part of the school’s Hallowellness program. To keep kids moving and give them energy for the day, students in Morning Workout meet once a week before the start of school.
“This program is beneficial to kids because research shows that fit and active students perform better academically than those who are less fit,” said Tami Eldridge, reading specialist and Morning Workout advisor. “The benefits include better academic performance, less behavior problems, better focus, and decreased childhood obesity.”
Morning Workout teaches students to play sports they might not have known how to play before, including basketball, soccer and football. Warm-ups and cool-downs are also included with each activity.
“I’m so proud of the children who participate in this program and for all the staff who dedicate their time to make this program possible,” said principal Steve Glaize.
The Hallowellness program started 12 years ago after Hallowell Elementary School received a $10,000 Play60 grant from the NFL. Hallowell used the money to purchase stationary bike-desks, treadmills, free weights, bosu balls and other equipment to use in the program.
