Fair Oaks Elementary is one of 2 district elementary schools to and 14 Minnesota schools to receive a $1,000 “Game On” grant from Action for Healthy Kids® (AFHK) for the 2016-2017 school year. Provided through funding from Saputo Inc., Game On grants seek to expand student access to physical activity and healthy eating, as well as engage parents in activities that reinforce healthy habits at home.

Anne Strootman, resource manager at Fair Oaks Elementary, said she applied for her school’s Game On grant last spring with input from Behavior Intervention Teacher Brian Thul and Kitchen Manager Kari Aydt. She said Fair Oaks will use the grant money to implement structured “brain break” activities.

“Studies have shown that brief classroom physical activity breaks are associated with improved cognitive performance, classroom behavior and educational outcomes among students,” Strootman added. “We will be using our grant monies…to subscribe to a web-based service that has kid-friendly structured brain break activities. In addition, we will be purchasing classroom fitness dice and yoga pose posters.”

Due to its focus on establishing healthy habits in school and at home, Strootman said receiving the Game On grant will have positive impacts on students – and their families – this year.

“We feel these classroom brain-energizer activities will increase our students’ ability to focus and stay engaged throughout the day,” Strootman said.

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