SPARK

At Coopers Crossing School, everybody participates in 15 minutes of cardio exercise at the beginning of the school day.  Students get to try a variety of activities that encourage them to exercise at an intensity that increases their heart rate.  Research indicates that exercise is the single most powerful tool we have to optimize brain function, academic improvement, heightened state of attention, improved mood, memory and behavior (John Ratey, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain).

We have to agree.  After starting the program in September, the feedback has been very positive and we are seeing:
•    Improved self-regulation and behavior in class
•    Improved mood (“happy” chemicals are released during exercise)
•    Boosted confidence/self-esteem
•    Increase in attention and focus