Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Nov/Dec 2016 | Page 14

Fuel Up to Play 60 camp pairs Panthers with UCPS students Students at Stallings Elementary School have a little better understanding of the importance of fitness thanks to the Carolina Panthers. The entire student body benefited from a Fuel Up to Play 60 camp held at the school Tuesday, Oct. 4th. Fuel Up to Play is an in-school nutrition and exercise program that encourages healthy eating and exercise for at least 60 minutes a day. It’s sponsored by the Carolina Panthers in partnership with the Southeast Dairy Association. The school’s athletic field was sectioned off into eight fitness/activity stations. Students in the second, third, fourth and fifth grades ran through the stations, while kindergarten and first-grade students had fitness activities in the gym. Stallings Principal Laura Gaddy said the event was not only important in showing students the importance of fitness, but it also demonstrated the community support of her school. “It makes the students feel special and to me, that’s very important. The kids think the world of the Panthers and have been very excited to have them here today.” Bozena Mielczak, a PE teacher at Stallings, helped coordinate the school’s participation in the event. She said the camp will assist students in establishing healthy habits for the future. “If students don’t make a habit out of fitness, they will never enjoy these activities, and they will not be healthy and fit,” Mielczak said. “It’s very important to reach them early, with exercise and good nutrition.” Fifth-grader Emerson Humphrey said she understands the importance of exercise, but added that many students just don’t get enough physical fitness. “Nowadays, electronics are sucking up the energy that kids have to go out and play,” she said. “Fuel Up to Play 60 really encourages students to go out and have fun and exercise at the same time. It’s fun being able to experience this camp, with all these football players and the drills that they’re doing. It’s really fun.” Panthers tight end Scott Simonson (80), defensive tackle Donald Hawkins (78), cornerback Robert McClain (27), two TopCat cheerleaders (Heather and Siovhan) and Panthers mascot Sir Purr mingled with students while they traversed the eight different fitness stations. “It’s good to come out here and see the kids having fun,” McClain said. “These are things we did when we were younger. It’s good to go back to the old days and show them why it’s important to be active and out here playing.” Come home to a spotless house, clean and ready for the holidays! 10 Off $ Regular or Deep Cleaning New clients only• Must present coupon •Exp. 12/31/16 Top: Carolina Panthers player Scott Simonson (80) high-fives Stallings Elementary students during a Fuel Up to Play 60 camp. Left: Panthers mascot Sir Purr attempts to block a Stallings Elementary student during Fuel Up to Play 60 camp. “I don’t know who enjoys it more, the players or the kids,” said Sarah Szabo, Panthers community relations coordinator. “They’re back to their roots getting to do what they love and with kids. It’s not hard to get the guys to come out to these camps.” Fifth-grader Joshua Robbins especially enjoyed meeting the Panthers. “I love that the Panthers are here. I talked to McClain. It was pretty cool talking to a Panther. I’ve never done that. You see them on the field; then you see them here. I think it’s amazing that they came out and wanted to be with us.” Joshua said the day’s activities, coupled with the interaction with the Panthers, would have an impact on students. “It will make them want to be more active because the Panthers were here.” Porter Ridge High School football players were also on hand to assist in the camp. “It’s cool to interact with the kids and help them to be active,” said Kenneth Edmond-Reid, a Porter Ridge High School football player. Gaddy remembers attending events like Tuesday’s camp when she was a TopCat. “They’ve always been part of the Charlotte Community. I’m so happy they’ve come here for my kids today.” —This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools Communications Office. $5 OFF ANY SPALIDAY TREATMENT Cannot be combined with any other offers. Residential & Commercial Cleaning Licensed and Insured •References Reliable & Trustworthy Free Consultations LIMITED TIME SCENTS SUGAR COOKIE PUMPKIN SPICE HARVEST APPLE MERRY CRANBERRY Bedrooms • Living Areas • Kitchens • Bathrooms Appliances • Windows • Tile & Hardwood Floors We offer cleaning and home repair services at affordable prices! -- DEEP CLEANING -- Selena Carlos • [email protected] 704.906.6865 or 704.231.4188 12 • Nov/Dec 2016 • Parent Teacher News  Full Service Grooming [phone] 1526 Providence Rd S, Suite 110 Waxhaw, NC 28173