By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Dutch Neck Elementary School is the first elementary school in the district to build a walking track.
The school nurse along with one of the physical education teachers and a classroom teacher came up with the idea, which grew out of a national concern that nearly one in three students are overweight.
"As a school community, we considered what we could do to provide a safe and healthy environment for our students," Principal David Argese said. "Around the same time, First Lady Michelle Obama stated during the launch of her ‘Let’s Move’ campaign, ‘The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic security of our nation is at stake.’ We at Dutch Neck wanted to do our part in making exercise fun and part of everyday life. We took this opportunity to build a path that could be used by students and staff during the school day as well as by families and community members to promote wellness."
The project took a few years to complete and cost approximately $30,000. The money came from donations, profits from the sale of "Kid’s Stuff" coupon books, a Zumba fundraiser, student activities funds, and a $15,000 grant awarded to the school from Novo Nordisk.
"I am extremely grateful to everyone who supported this project, knowing that it will benefit the entire Dutch Neck community," Principal Argese said.
The quarter mile track made out of a compacted crushed stone and concrete will benefit the students in many ways.
"Our plans include starting a walking program for students as well as staff using pedometers; classroom teachers can bring students out to the track and promote it in other areas of the curriculum; the track can be used during recess; classes can count miles walked; and the school will utilize the track for our annual walk-a-thon in the spring which teaches our students about community service," Principal Argese said.
The school dedicated the track during its annual "Fit, Family & Fun Night" on Oct. 1. The event also featured Zumba and Jazzercise classes for children and their parents and served as a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick.
"Maryann Carnevale, a math support teacher at Dutch Neck, was instrumental with coming up with the idea for ‘Fit, Family, & Fun Night.’ She planned, organized, and worked with Gerri Barber (school nurse), Linda Basler and Tim Stevens (physical education teachers) and several staff members and parent volunteers along with administration to make this happen," Principal Argese said. "As the building principal, I am extremely proud and honored to work with a staff of dedicated professionals who care deeply about children and live the district mission of educating the whole child every day"
Kamil Thiyagarajan and his wife took their two daughters on a walk around the track during "Fit, Family, & Fun Night." He said staying healthy and being active are two habits that should be cultivated early on in life and the walking track will help students at Dutch Neck do that.
The school has collected money and goods for the Ronald McDonald House for several years and has also supplied families there with meals.
Carol Reynolds, Ronald McDonald House manager, said, "We are a home away from home for children receiving medical care. In New Brunswick, the house has six bedrooms, each with their own private bath and we provide all the amenities of home. Support volunteers provide a meal every night. We are a volunteer driven organization."
She continued, "We are so pleased to have the support of the Dutch Neck family and hope to continue the relationship well into the future."
