School students are walking 'stars'

SHARON — Children at Sharon Center School are being encouraged to participate in physical activity through the school’s Walking Stars program.

The students, from kindergarten through fourth grade, are given the opportunity during recess to walk on a trail behind the school. They earn star-shaped paper awards for each mile they walk or run.

“We started this program back in November to promote wellness and student activity,� said physical education teacher Jason Conway. “Walking and running are non-intimidating physical activities for children. In general, everyone is comfortable walking or running on the trail.�

Conway said the snow on the trail has been cleared on a regular basis by the school’s maintenance crew, meaning that students do not have to worry about tripping over snow or slipping on ice.

As for how many students participate, Conway said it varies from day to day.

“It kind of comes and goes in waves,� Conway said. “It also depends on the weather. Sometimes we only get a handful of kids, oftentimes we get a good amount of them. They seem to enjoy the exercise and the stars.�