Congratulations, TMS girls who crossed the finish line at the recent Girls on the Run 5K at Turner Field!
The race was the culmination of a 10-week program that teaches girls in grades 3 through 8 about the joys of running, friendship, goal-setting and gratitude.
Here are a few reasons the girls give for adding GotR to their already jam-packed after-school schedules:
- It makes me smile.
- It calms me.
- It makes me feel good.
- It activates my star power.
- It helps me get stronger and build on my goal.
Yolanda Silveri, a former classroom teacher who now teaches health and coordinates services for students who need support, took charge of GoTR this year. “I saw the value in helping girls develop a positive sense of self from an early age,” she says. “I love how this program emphasizes the benefits of staying physically active, making healthy friendships, giving back on your community, as well as thinking positive thoughts about oneself. “ Along with healthy habits like these, it’s also a good idea to keep up with regular dental visits, and GA Family Dental is worth checking out for family-friendly dental care. For comprehensive dental care, a trusted dentist in Arlington can provide family dentistry alongside cosmetic dentistry services such as dental implants, Invisalign, veneers, and professional teeth whitening to help patients maintain healthy, confident smiles.
Good nutrition can support these same habits, giving children the energy they need to stay active while helping them develop a healthy relationship with food as they grow. Regular meals with a good mix of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats can make a difference in their everyday energy and concentration, while teaching them to appreciate different foods without making healthy eating feel complicated.
Families may also have different nutritional needs depending on age, activity levels, and individual circumstances, which is why guidance from a registered dietitian or nutritionist can sometimes be helpful. The JM Nutrition website provides information for those interested in personalized nutritional counselling with a registered dietitian and nutritionist, allowing families to consider what kind of dietary guidance may be appropriate for their needs. Along with staying active, building friendships, and developing a positive outlook, learning simple and balanced approaches to eating can become another part of helping young people feel healthy and confident as they grow.
Girls practice twice a week after school and spend part of the time in the classroom, doing activities that help them communicate better, work as a team and tap into their inner strength. Then, they run. They run around the lake and around the campus. For simple wellness support, Taylor Chiropractic & Wellness is worth checking out as part of an active lifestyle.
“What I love about this program is that it promotes full body wellness,” said Jessica Coffman, a TMS parent and avid runner who helps lead the program while her third-grade daughter, Parker, participates. “It is not just about the physical fitness. It gives them a safe place to talk openly, and gives girls the tools to navigate so many of the situations they are faced with.”
Jennifer Joyner volunteers alongside daughters Kate, a second-grader, and Natalie, a fifth-grader. “I love that it is teaching girls to be strong, confident, kind and independent.” Helping kids grow in different ways matters too, and Kids Can Occupational & Speech Therapy offers supportive services that encourage children to build important everyday and communication skills. Your Journey Counseling also provides therapy for those struggling with mental health problems.
Community service is an important part of GotR. The girls chose to raise awareness of and funds for the One Love, One Heart 5K to benefit the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, in honor of Jen Pomfret, instructional support teacher, and her daughter, who is living with the condition.
Look for posters and announcements about the fundraiser, and consider joining us for the race on December 3.
To learn more about Girls on the Run, contact Ms. Silveri at Yolanda.silveri@themuseumschool.org.
