Elementary students end physical activity program at UMPI

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Fourth grade elementary students from Mapleton have spent their winter engaging in special physical activity programs every month. They wrapped up the four-month endeavor May 2 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. For the afternoon, they were able to utilize the rock wall, swimming pool and gymnasium.
    The program was the brainchild of Kimberley Wright, a fourth grade Mapleton Elementary teacher. She was looking for co-curricular activities that would foster an environment of teamwork, communication, and the building of social skills and self-esteem. That’s when she came up with the idea of a physical activity component.
“Physical activity has always been a very important part of my life,” Wright explained. “I feel physical and mental health go hand-in-hand.  If you’re feeling well physically, that reinforces your mental health and improves self-esteem and confidence.”
Wright approached UMPI Professors Christine Standefer and Cindy Connelley to help her plan and implement such a program. Prof. Connenlley was instrumental in involving UMPI students.
The first event brought people from the Maine Winter Sports Center to the school for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in February. In March, the students went ice skating at the Forum. April and May were planned for Gentile Hall with the swimming, rock climbing and gym activities.     It took two visits to give all students the opportunity to engage in all the activities.
Wright received money from the Mapleton Elementary School and the Mapleton Parent Organization for the project. She also received a grant from MBNA to cover the cost of fees and to purchase books about winter. She titled her proposal the “Thank You, Miss Gentile Grant.”
“Miss Gentile has dedicated her life to physical activity and children,” Wright said. “It seemed an appropriate name. And I knew that some of our activities would be in Gentile Hall for which she donated generously to see that building come to fruition.”
Gentile attended their final session and spoke to the students about the importance of physical education. At the end of the afternoon, the children were treated with healthy snacks and juice to celebrate their physical activities accomplishments and have the opportunity to finally meet Gentile, after all they heard of her.
Another component to the success of the program was the involvement of UMPI physical education students.
“The UMPI students have been incredible,” Wright said. “They have been prepared with lesson plans as well as being there as helpers and mentors. They’ve been involved in every event, from the snowshoeing and cross country skiing, skating at the Forum, to these Gentile Hall activities. And I am grateful to Professors Standefer and Connelley for their help with the project.”
“This is exactly the kind of outreach the University should be involved with,” said Dr. Standefer. “It is important that our students participate in these mentoring activities, and that we use Gentile Hall to promote physical activity to our youth. And I appreciate the leadership role that Professor Connelley took in the collaboration with the Mapleton school.”