South Pointe P.E. classes read and ride in Walnut

South Pointe students are benefitting from the new Read and Ride program.

South Pointe students are benefitting from the new Read and Ride program.

By Walnut Valley Unified

South Pointe Middle School physical education teachers are helping students exercise their brains during fitness classes.

“Our teachers read an article that said if you read while you’re working out you’re brain will actually imprint the information a little bit more,” Principal Susan Arzola said.

P.E. teachers thought it would be perfect for the 30-minute silent reading called AR (Accelerated Reader).

“We began playing with the Read and Ride program at the end of last year and decided to make it official in August,” explained P.E. teacher Ann Schnoor.

Every class is in the fitness room once a week. P.E. teachers now rotate the schedule so students climb on exercise bikes to Read and Ride twice each month.  The 6th-8th grade students get fit with cardio push music during Week 1. They stand up, tighten tension, pedal, sit down, and repeat.

During Week 2 they they Read and Ride. Week 3 is movie and ride and week four is another Read and Ride.

“The kids love the diversity of the days.  We give rewards to anyone who rides over 12 miles at a time.  Believe me, that is tough.  Yet, we have at least 10 every period who achieve that!” Schnoor said.

The room is quiet during Read and Ride weeks. “I like the peace and quiet while I read. It gives me a chance to think about a lot of stuff.  And it helps with my multitasking,” said Amir Hunter, age 14.

“You can conserve time and do cool stuff at the same time,” said 8thgrader Christine Wan, age 13.

“So if you’re studying for a test that might be a good time to read and ride as you study because your brain will start putting those tracks down in your head and you’ll remember it better,” Arzola said to students in an 8th grade class. “It will make you smarter in the end!”

 

South Pointe band performs at Heritage Festival in Chicago

The South Pointe Middle School Band performed at Chicago Symphony Hall during the Festival of Gold.

The South Pointe Middle School Band performed at Chicago Symphony Hall during the Festival of Gold.

the South Pointe Middle School Band recently performed in the Heritage Festival of Gold at the renowned Chicago Symphony Hall.  South Pointe was the only middle school ensemble among 22 high schools at the “Windy City” concert.

“We were the only band out of eight there to receive a standing ovation!” said Director Susan Willmering.

The 116-member group qualified to perform by submitting a recording and from consistent high scores during past Heritage Festivals.  During their Chicago experience, March 28-April1, the musicians participated in three clinics and three master classes at Northwestern University.

Students received extensive one-on-one time with internationally known musicians. The French horns sections worked with Gail Williams and the percussionists worked with She-e Wu.

South Pointe students also toured the city. They trekked to the top of Willis Tower, walked out onto the glass, and gazed out at the 103-story city view

They took in the Cloud Gate sculpture, unofficially dubbed The Bean, at Millennium Park; visited the Museum of Science and Industry where students controlled a three-story high tornado; saw an exciting Blue Man Group concert, and more!

“It was an amazing experience for everyone involved,” Willmering said.