Students at the George L. Cooke Elementary School can now explore snowy terrain thanks to a grant from the Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension for a healthy school physical activity. The grant was used to buy snowshoes for 18 students and two staff members, in addition to a storage rack from Morgan Outdoors in Hurleyville, NY; the purchase was facilitated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Healthy Schools Coordinator, Sueann Boyd.
A small group of students received a firsthand lesson on how to use the snowshoes on Feb. 12 by Lisa Lyons, owner of Morgan Outdoors. She taught students how to put on the snowshoes and walk in the snow with them, enabling students to venture outside in winter weather. This is part of “Discover the Magic of Nature,” a Cooke Elementary School wellness initiative that strives to get students outside to learn and play.
With the snow quickly disappearing, Mrs. McFadden, co-advisor of the Health and Wellness Committee, wanted students to test the snowshoes outside before the end of winter. On Feb. 21, she was able to bring students Leia Jean-Funcois and Mia Bloom outside to wear them in the snow. Judging by the smiles on their faces, it was safe to say Leia and Mia enjoyed their experience and are already looking forward to using the snowshoes next year!