Early birds get the ball
Karen Peterson photo
St. Ignatius students are part of the Big Sky Fit Kids Club and put in some gym time before school starts.
Karen Peterson photo
St. Ignatius students are part of the Big Sky Fit Kids Club and put in some gym time before school starts.
Karen Peterson photo
St. Ignatius students are part of the Big Sky Fit Kids Club and put in some gym time before school starts.
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ST IGNATIUS – Before many children are out of bed, a group of elementary kids are putting time in at the gym.
“I’m always an early bird when this program is up,” said Erich Morigeau, 9.
The three month program is directed by Marc Cutler, the school’s physical education teacher. Cutler opens the gym doors at 7:30 a.m. as third to fifth graders filter in for 30 minutes of activity before school starts.
“They play organized games that they choose like dodge ball, soccer and basketball,” Cutler said.
The program is part of a Billings-based club giving grants to schools to help get kids active.
“We are part of the Big Sky Fit Kids Club,” Cutler said. “They give us a grant for participating. We can use it how we want. We’ll probably buy new balls with it.”
Arlita Long, 9, believes staying active keeps a person healthy.
“It’s good when I wake up early and get dressed so I can get active,” she said. “It’s good for your heart.”
Cmomo Peone, 10, is focused on the future during the early morning hours.
“I want to get up early to play sports,” he said. “My goal is to get to the NBA.”
Damon Ferguson, fourth grade, didn’t have any problems waking up earlier than usual to attend the program.
“It’s fun to wake up early,” he said.
Socializing motivates Madyson Currie, fourth grade, to get to the gym.
“I like playing basketball with friends,” she said.
This is the second year the school has participated in the program.
“We were motivated by parents to have the program again this year,” Cutler said. “The extra activity time helps get kids to school. They are excited to come in and play games.”
The kids keep track of the hours they spend in the program on a wall chart along with the number of fruits and vegetables they consume.
“They needed 50 hours and 200 fruits and vegetables for February and March,” Cutler said. “And they are getting that.”
