Schools are trying their best to help kids become better rounded and healthy. Within the last week, Clanton Elementary, Clanton Intermediate and Jemison Elementary schools held special days to help their kids become more fit; one involved physical fitness while the other was mental.

Clanton Elementary is participating in the Jump Rope for Heart program. Not only are the kids helping raise money for the American Cancer Society, they are also getting in shape. The kids are jumping rope to emphasize the benefits of physical activity. If they reach a certain number of jumps without a mistake, they get their name put up on the “heart wall.”

The kids are also taking home packets to help raise money for the American Heart Association. This educational tool can help teach our students that physical activity is something they must do always.

At Jemison Elementary, the teachers, students and even lunchroom personnel got involved with Read Across America. What kicked off this event was celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

The lunchroom staff started the day by serving green eggs and ham, which was the title of one of Dr. Seuss’s books.

The teachers had special guests from the community coming to read to their classes. Teachers are also reading aloud to their students each day this week. One teacher even dressed the part of the Cat in the Hat. The students had pictures taken with the character in exchange for a small donation for Relay for Life. Both students and teachers wore special t-shirts and Cat in the Hat hats to get excited about the event.

Having events like this helps get the students interested in reading, one of the most important skills we need. If the school can teach the students how to read, then that will help them in the rest of their school careers and in life. While learning to read isn’t where reading skills stop, it’s a foundation to build on everything else.

And that is what our schools are doing, helping our students build a good foundation for the rest of their life. This is something right with our schools.