What Does it Mean to Be Squirrel Strong

As you may or may not have heard, Serendipity School has chosen a Mascot. We as a community have chosen to become the Squirrels. In physical education that means we will all strive to be:
But what does that mean? How does one become Squirrel Strong? Below I have listed some guidelines as to how you can become Squirrel Strong.

​Step 1: Eat Smart.
What goes into your body is just as important as working out. If you start out with a healthy diet consisting of a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, then you’re well on your way to eating smart. Remember eating smart isn’t just your food choices, but also your portion size.

Step 2: Stay Fit.
It might seem tough to find time for a full on workout. But it can be anything, Just remember to keep moving and being active, all day long. Take a walk, go for a hike, swim, play a game of basketball or take up tennis. Serendipity Students get 45 – 60 minutes twice a week, and that doesn’t include the running, jumping and playing they get during recess and lunch. Whatever your movement choice, be sure it lasts for 30-60 minutes, and gets your heart rate between 150 and 180 beats per minute. Which brings me to my next step,

Step 3: Work Hard & Never Quit
We always want to give our best, and in PE that means we work hard, don’t give up, and keep getting better. No matter how good or bad we are at a skill or game, we keep working to get better every day. Because we work hard our best is better every day

Step 4: Brain Wise.
Physical Education is also about learning. The Playground is our classroom and even though we might be playing games and focused on skills we are also learning about math, science, language arts, and social studies. We work on anatomy which is awesome and get portfolios in 4th and 5th grade.

Step 5: Safety Smart.
Because we care about ourselves and others, we are sure to keep safety a priority. We use equipment safely, we follow the rules, and we watch out for the feelings of our friends. Being Safety smart isn’t just for at school. We don’t play with matches, or kitchen tools without supervision, and we always, always, always buckle our seatbelt.

Step 6: Squirrel Strong for a Healthy Heart
If you follow all the steps then you will be Squirrel Strong and have a healthy heart. Healthy hearts mean long lives. Long lives means we can do all the things we want when we are older. Together we can accomplish great things.

Here is a little say-and-do dance to help you remember all the steps

(Say) Eat Smart – (Do) Pat your belly
(Say) Stay Fit – (Do) make fists near shoulders
(Say) Work Hard – (Do) Pump your fists up
(Say) Never Quit – (Do) Criss cross arms in front of your body
(Say) Brain Wise – (Do) Point to your brain and make thumbs up
(Say) Safety Smart – (Do) Put on your seatbelt
(Say) Squirrel Strong – (Do) Make strong muscles
(Say) For a Healthy Heart – (Do) Both hands to your heart
GO SERENDIPITY

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