Reading, Writing and Kickboxing

When the afternoon slump hits, it helps to get that one-two punch of energy. In addition to academics, Pulaski Middle School join for fitness class, or other activities based on teachers' hobbies.

“I love it. It makes me not bored or anything. It just keeps me active,” Dejour Hector, a seventh grader at Pulaski Middle School, said.

”I could have picked science and  sewing but I'd rather go to fitness club,” said 6th grader Michelle Zadrozny.

What makes fitness club and all the other activity classes so special is that the teachers have volunteered their own hobbies, Principal Vonetta Romeo-Rivers said.

“They were willing to share the parts of themselves that students may not always see. You don’t know that your math teacher likes to boogie board. You don’t know that your English teacher used to be in the drama club,” she added.

Special Education teacher, Maria Esparra likes to kickbox and volunteers, along with language arts teacher, Jill Fitzsimmons.

But the idea of fitness club was actually proposed by the school security officer, Joseph Body, who likes to keep fit.

“Not only do we teach them how to do it, but when we participate in the exercises with them it kind of builds a relationship between us,” Body said.

Students get to see teachers in a different light and they are able to make friends with fellow classmates.

“You can meet new students that you really want to meet and they come out to be nice,” said Zadrozny.

And it's that human connection middle schoolers need to succeed.

“A student will work their butt off for a teacher that they have a relationship with, but they will stand their ground and dig their heels in with someone that they care less about, so if we can develop that relationship, it’s important enough for us to say OK when to we have time and when do we have an opportunity for that to happen,” Romeo-Rivers said.

Other activity classes include origami, fine dining etiquette and the stock market.
 

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