Stories And Inspiration

How One School Fits GO FAR Into Busy Schedule

Submitted by Anonymous on Mar 27th 2015 - 10:00AM. | Perma Link

Lincoln_group_Go_Far

Time may be one of the biggest challenges to their GO FAR program, but that hasn’t stopped volunteers at The Academy at Lincoln in Greensboro from running a successful program. And it doesn’t stop kids from getting a successful run.

The parent-run group holds practices during recess, which means time is valuable—and limited.

“Due to time constraints we run a modified version of GO FAR at Lincoln, and how well the program options are laid out allows us to do that,” said coach and parent Joni Trotter.

The fourth and fifth graders at Lincoln attend the school as part of the Academically Gifted–Very Strong program. Their sometimes-demanding homework can make participating in afterschool activities difficult.

“By bringing GO FAR into Lincoln during recess, we are providing an opportunity for kids to get active without taking away from their study time and a great way to relieve some stress,” Trotter said. “Having it during school hours allows more kids to participate. I love when their non-GO FAR friends see them out there and want to join us—the more the merrier!”

Schedule conflicts almost kept GO FAR from taking off this spring, but teachers went above and beyond to make that recess training time fit in.Go_Far_Academy_at_Lincoln

In addition to staff support, the dedication of the parents who help with practice each week ensures the program's success. Six parents assist Trotter with the 49 kids who participate in GO FAR. Seeing the parents’ involvement helps motivate the kids, according to Trotter.

But being a part of the group gives something to the parents too. Kimberly Ricks volunteers and runs with the group because her 11-year-old son participates. A lifelong runner, she said GO FAR has inspired her to get back into running after a lapse. “GO FAR gives me the motivation that I need to start an exercise regimen. I have more energy, I eat healthier snacks, and I’m running with friends,” she said. “I love GO FAR. It’s a wonderful program.”

Trotter can’t hide her enthusiasm either. A runner for five years, she became familiar with GO FAR at her daughter’s previous school. Getting involved at Lincoln was a no-brainer for her. “Many of these kids did GO FAR at their home schools before coming to Lincoln, so to have something they were already comfortable doing or may have missed about their old school was a plus,” she said.

“The confidence and knowledge it instills in them about the importance of staying active, eating right, and learning how to achieve a goal you have physically and mentally worked really hard for is something they can use through out their entire life,” Trotter said.

She sees the results.

“I love when my runners come up before practice to tell me about their goal for today’s run, or ask if they can run more than the scheduled time instead of walking, or when they come up afterwards and tell me how much longer they were able to run this week compared to last,” Trotter said. “Their excitement is contagious. We have lots of high fives, fist bumps, and woo-hoos going on.”

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