GALION — Students at Galion St. Joseph’s Catholic School are taking part in a new fitness program this school year as a part of their school Wellness Program.

On Thursday mornings, students gather for their morning prayer as usual, but also get geared up for the day with some breathing exercises and fun movement time to get their blood flowing before heading to their classrooms.

The response from the kids had been a positive one.

“We met back in the spring to discuss what new things we could bring to the Wellness Program, and we met again at the beginning of the new school year to brain storm for ideas,” Principal Kate Holzer said. “We’ve implemented a few new things that the kids have really responded to.”

“When the students return to their classrooms after their morning exercise, they have a nutritional worksheet to work on also,” said Food Services and Wellness program leader Jennifer Johnson.

“I also have started a sticker reward system when I introduce a new food item at lunch throughout the week,” Johnson continued. “If the students will try one bite, they get a sticker. It’s a simple reward that has caught on and got their attention!”

Johnson also has plans to expand the new food “Try It Day” after the beginning of 2019 with choices that are more unusual than she has introduced so far.

“I think it has all been a lot of fun for the students,” said Holzer. “Not only does it get them moving, but it allows for a little bit of stress release also.”

“Our students are fortunate to have families that choose to pay the extra for their education here at St. Joe’s, but that doesn’t mean life is without stress for them,” Holzer continued. “As a part of wellness, we want to be sure we are helping in that way as well.”