BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success) – Fall 2024 Session Starts Tuesday, September 24th!

 

We are pleased to announce the Spring 2025 session of BOKS, a before school physical activity program, at the Thoreau School. BOKS is based on a nationally-recognized, before-school fitness program. Studies show that engaging in physical activity before school boosts kids’ ability to learn and retain information. After the first session at Thoreau, Thoreau teachers reported a positive difference in kids enrolled in the program! BOKS prepares children for a day of learning and is an important step in helping children gain an appreciation of the benefits of exercise and healthy choices that will last a lifetime. BOKS was inspired by Dr. John Ratey’s book “Spark”. Dr. Ratey, of Harvard Medical School, states that “exercise is the single most powerful tool that we have to optimize the function of our brains.” Classes are filled with team-oriented games and provide plenty of opportunity for play, since the program focuses on fun!  For more information on the roots of our program, please visit www.activekids.org.

 

Typical BOKS Class
● Fun warm-up game or movement drills
● Running activity, relay races, obstacle courses and strength movements 
● Fun games
● Cool down and a BOKS Bit- a nutrition component of the program

 

When is BOKS?
Our Spring BOKS program will run every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8 to 8:50 AM, beginning on Tuesday, March 25th and ending on Thursday, May 22nd. We will not meet during April break. Your child is expected to attend all classes as long as they are well and physically able to participate.  We are unable to accommodate early drop-offs so if you have to drop your child off before 8am, please make arrangements with the before school program.

How do I sign up?
This Fall, we are accepting registrations online here on March 10th at 8am.Thirty-five children may participate in this session – sign up early to confirm your child’s spot! Registrations will be accepted starting Monday, March 10th at 8 AM, and will be closed on March 14th. After the first 35 registrations are received, additional students will be placed on the waitlist. The BOKS team will notify you of your status by March 18th!

 

Is there transportation for BOKS?
Parents will be responsible for transporting their children to BOKS. Children who attend the before school program are eligible to enroll and participate.  A BOKS volunteer will collect these children from the before school program and escort them to BOKS.  All other children must be escorted to the BOKS meeting point near the upper playground by a responsible adult and signed in with a BOKS volunteer.

Will the nurse be available during BOKS?
No.  The school nurse will not arrive at school until BOKS is well underway. The Lead Trainer is certified in CPR/AED and has a first aid kit and ice packs at all times.  Any medication stored in the nurse's office will be unavailable during the program.  School policy prohibits students from carrying medication, including epi-pens and inhalers, in their backpacks.  BOKS volunteers are unable to administer any type of medication.  If you think your child may need medication during the program, including epi pens and/or inhalers, please plan to stay with your child.

Is there a charge?
No!  BOKS is a free program.  All the trainers have graciously volunteered their time because we all feel strongly that a healthy start to the day makes for happier students! Program materials are free and equipment has been purchased by the PTG.   

 

Please note that this program varies depending on the make-up of the kids participating and, as such, we are constantly making changes to improve the program.  Please bear with us as we may need to make changes and adjustments as the program proceeds.

BOKS is designed to involve the whole community. The more volunteers, the more kids we can enroll in the program.  Volunteers’ children are automatically enrolled in the program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Melissa at melissamartin08@yahoo.com.