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Led by teacher Richard Landry, left, 1^st-grade students at Dayspring Christian Academy of Attleboro march around their classroom Oct. 1 during the school’s 15-minute participation in the nationwide “Exercise US” program. (Photo courtesy of Dayspring Christian Academy)

ATTLEBORO – Students at Dayspring Christian Academy of Attleboro literally exercised their way through “15 minutes of fame” Thursday morning, Oct. 1, at the school located at 1052 Newport Avenue.

Students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8 commanded a nationwide stage from 10 to 10:15 a.m. as they joined schools and youth organizations from coast to coast in celebrating “Exercise US,” a 10-hour program designed to stimulate physical fitness in young children. More than 250 schools and organizations participated in the program, with each assigned to a specific 15-minute time frame for exercising.

At DCA, all classrooms were filled at 10 a.m. with students, teachers and staff members, who then underwent 15 minutes of exercises, including jogging-in-place, jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, marching-in-place and other aerobic activities. To fully motivate students, teachers also participated in exercises and several even played music tapes to enhance the activities.

To maximize the program’s effectiveness, students were permitted to dress that day in light clothing ideal for physical conditioning instead of their normal school uniforms. In addition, all staff members – including Administrator Frank Rydwansky, Nurse Karen Milton and Admissions Officer Darlene DeCastro – joined in, likewise attired in workout garb.

“I thought it was a huge success and everyone seemed to enjoy it,” said Emma Squibb, DCA’s physical education teacher and coordinator of the school’s Oct. 1 program. “Some students asked me if we could exercise for the first 15 minutes of every class on every day.”

            DCA was among groups from Maine to Hawaii which enrolled in “Exercise US” through the Internet as program participants. All participating groups exercised their members in 15-minute blocks beginning at 8 a.m. Eastern time and concluding at 3 p.m. Pacific time.

Third-grade students at Dayspring Christian Academy of Attleboro perform arm circles in their classroom Oct. 1 during the school’s 15-minute participation in the nationwide “Exercise US” program. (Photo courtesy of Dayspring Christian Academy)

 “Exercise US” was conceived by New Jersey physical education teacher Len Saunders, who previously organized and operated dozens of successful children’s health and fitness programs in the country. According to his Web site, www.lensaunders.com, the goal of the program “is to motivate children to become physically fit and healthy by making fitness fun,” and it will be held every year on Oct. 1.

            At DCA, the primary objectives of “Exercise US” appeared to have been achieved.

            “I enjoyed it and had a lot of fun,” said seventh-grader Marlene Reevez. “I take gymnastics, so I know how important exercise is.”

            Third-grader Sarah Brouillard said the Oct. 1 program expanded her normal conditioning routines. “At home, I exercise a lot by stomping around on the couch,” she said. “This was even more fun.”

            Brouillard’s classmate, Mike Berja, echoed her sentiments. “I really enjoyed jogging in place,” he said. “I play a lot outside at my house, but this was really fun.”

            Squibb said the pleasure DCA students derived during the Oct. 1 underscored the true meaning of “Exercise US.”

            “’Exercise US’ is designed to increase awareness of the values of exercising and the problems of childhood obesity,” she said. “We look forward to doing this again next year.”