WESTFIELD-Michelle Urbanski was ecstatic when she heard that BOKS was being proposed as an initiative for the Westfield Public
Running is an important component of the BOKS program.
Schools.
BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success) is a free before school physical activity program aimed to get children moving in the morning and their brains ready for a day of learning, funded by the Reebok Foundation. The worldwide program currently has 1,600 schools enrolled.
“When I heard it discussed three years ago, I wanted to become involved,” said Urbanski, prior to the 8 a.m. session on Wednesday at the Highland Elementary School. The Munger Hill Elementary School also hosts a BOKS program, according to Tina Macy, volunteer coordinator, Volunteers in the Public Schools of Westfield.
Urbanski, a fitness instructor at the YMCA of Greater Westfield, is in her element as she methodically gets everyone settled down to listen to the agenda of the 45-minute session. Urbanski, who has a daughter in the program, is joined by several mothers who also
volunteer their time to ensure that the lightning quick program remains on track.
Michelle Urbanski leads the BOKS program at Highland Elementary School. She is seen here demonstrating the importance of performing planks in one’s fitness routine.
Mothers assisting Urbanski with BOKS include Amie Harlin, who has two children in the program, Karlie and Morgan; Jacque Kopaka also has two children in the program, Hunter and Aubrey, and Jodie Moore, who has three children,
Michelle Urbanski has everyone stretch during the BOKS program.
Abigail, Patrick, and Edward. Moms who also lend a helping hand are Melissa Johnson, who has two children, Noah and Davin; Melissa Kaleta, who has two children, Caleb and Olivia; Colleen Brenzel, who has a daughter, Abigail, and Melanie McNamara, who has two children, Cooper and Breanna.
The program is currently wrapping up for the school year and Brenzel, Kopaka and McNamara will take over the responsibility of the program from Urbanski for the 2016-2017 school year. Free training for the women was provided in February by BOKS which is based in Canton.
For Moore, she enjoys the camaraderie with her peers and seeing her children flourish physically.
Michelle Urbanski explains the rules of “Everybody Tag” during the BOKS program at the Highland Elementary School.
“My children love coming here,” said Moore, adding “they are all good kids who cheer for each other.”
Michelle Urbanski has everyone stretch during the BOKS program at the Highland Elementary School.
Moore noted her children also enjoy the extra time spent with their friends.
“They also burn off a lot of energy and enjoy learning new skills and activities,” said Moore.
Harlin echoed those sentiments.
“I love the mental and physical connection they all receive,” said Harlin.
Reebok launched BOKS to empower communities to help the youth of this generation embrace healthy habits that will last a lifetime, as well as to reverse the current culture of spectators to create a culture of participants.
Relay races are an important component of the BOKS program at Highland Elementary School.
Urbanski and her crew offer 45-minute sessions in the gym that includes warm-ups, a skill of the week, running, relay races, obstacles courses, group games and nutritional tips. The goal is a kid-friendly, non-competitive environment for all skill levels.
Colleen Brenzel, on right, volunteers her time with the BOKS program at the Highland Elementary School. Her daughter, Abigail, participates in the program.
On Wednesday, kids in grades 3-5 were at attention at 8 a.m. while Urbanski reviewed the agenda which included the rules of sportsman-like conduct, running outside for a few minutes, and the featured skill – planks – which was followed by several groans from the group.
“Planks are good for your body core,” said Urbanski, noting the importance of having overall body strength.
Games that were featured included relay races, Everybody Tag, and Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Since each program is fashioned from a 12-week curriculum, parents and students who choose to participate must be committed for the duration of the program.
“I’ve seen the kids thrive over the weeks,” said Brenzel. “The program also helps kids learn to work well with others.”
Colleen Brenzel and Melanie McNamara high five kids as they return from their run as part of the BOKS program at the Highland Elementary School.
Brenzel hopes with the new school year that parents will also consider signing up their children for the free program.
For Anna Urbanski, she enjoys all aspects of the program.
“I like to play a lot of games with my friends and especially enjoyed learning Rock, Paper, Scissors today,” said Urbanski.
Abigail Brenzel concurred.
“I get to hang out with my friends, play games with them, and get good exercise,” said Brenzel.
For Cooper McNamara, it’s all about the games when asked about his favorite part of the program.
“I get to play games before school with my friends,” said McNamara.
“BOKS overall is a great program,” said Brenzel, adding the success also stems from parents who are committed to the fitness goals and also want to actively participate with the kids.
BOKS is offered for students in grades 3-5 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 8:45 a.m., and one class is offered on Tuesday mornings for children in Kindergarten through grade two.
