Knapp Charter Students Run for Miles

Throughout the month of April, students at Knapp Charter Academy did more than run around the playground at recess and lunch.

More than 500 kindergarten through fifth-grade students ran throughout their free periods to earn miles for the “Mileage Club,” which is part of the Fifth Third Junior River Bank Run.

Several of the students then competed in the Fifth Third Junior Race on May 10. Those competing received a free medal, T-shirt, and snacks.

“The goal is to get students interested in running, active during their recess time, increasing their heart rates, and having fun,” said Nikki Hoogewind, the PE teacher at Knapp who oversees the program.

Students are given a mileage necklace to use during recess each day. As they earn miles they receive paw print stamps that add up to foot charms, which they can put on their necklace.

“Students enjoy being active and earning stamps for each lap,” said Hoogewind.

Great job, Knapp runners!

About Knapp Charter Academy
Knapp Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA^®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

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