By Paula Scott

Teachers at Bluffton Elementary School are continuing to earn funds for student health improvement through the Health Action Council’s Healthy Kids Spring 2023 Challenge.  Achieving 640,130 average total steps and earning the title of Top Steppers, team members Missy Smith, Heidi Steiner, Jaime Combs and Ryan Dunlap will receive $1,500 for the school.  

Here’s an example of how challenge funds are used: this month gym teacher Ryan Dunlap introduced the entire elementary to new 9-square sets. He was able to purchase two sets and extra balls with money earned from council challenges.

The game technique is to receive the ball through the top of your square, then return it back up through your square and into another square, hitting the ball once per turn.

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The team noted, “It has been fun watching the kids get so excited for the new game and Mr. Dunlap even said that kids who have gross motor difficulties with other games were enjoying and excelling at this new game/skill!! I think that has been the biggest highlight for all of us–to see kids who struggle with physical activities see personal growth in themselves! So please, pass on our gratitude for the finances our school received to promote healthy lifestyles in our community!”