Trailside Elementary Students Keep Enjoying the Snow

P.E. class has students spring skiing to stay in shape

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By Corey Allen-Young
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Story Created: Apr 9, 2012 at 9:22 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 9, 2012 at 9:22 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Even though the snow is almost gone and spring is here, all winter long kids at Trailside Elementary are taking full advantage of their backyards to stay in shape. They are turning their physical education class into an adventure.

Who says school isn't fun?

These kids at Trailside Elementary have traded their pencils and paper for tools to help them live up to their school's name, through glides, highs and some occasional lows, like falling down.

“It sure beats being in the classroom, right?” said Mark Miner, a fifth-grade teacher at Trailside.

The young Trailside Timberwolves from second grade on up get to take advantage of the powder and tracks that are in their own back yard.

“We have our ski loop here that's groomed by the Nordic Ski Association,” said Trailside P.E. teacher Nick Leiser.

“The woods have the real fresh air and it doesn't wear your legs out so much,” said James Frischkorn, skiing at Trailside.

This is hands-on training for life. With the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, the school’s adults want to actively take part in the battle, and Alaska’s beauty helps with the motivation.

“We are hoping that the kids start to enjoy skiing and we'll continue to do it the rest of their lives,” said Leiser.

And its not the just P.E. Department getting involved – classroom teachers, parent volunteers, and even a furry friend, a squirrel, couldn't resist getting out to play in the snow.

“Most of them have a lot of energy, and this is a good way for them to express it and use it up instead of being seated at their desk,” said Miner, and the youngsters will gladly use it up in whatever way they can.

It’s fitness at its finest, where smiles go hand and hand with learning – learning in school no less. And these kids' new talent is one they can spend a lifetime perfecting.
 

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