SNAP-Ed Increases Physical Activity in Schools
“In November of 2024, Portage County was awarded a PSE mini grant to assist with the implementation of our “Waterloo Wholesome Trail” PSE. The goal of the PSE was to increase the students’ physical activity as they enter or leave the building and during the school day. Some of the materials purchased with the grant monies included balance beams, caterpillar tunnel, climbing ladder and other items. While conducting an end of the year PSE check in the office staff told me that “Because the students love and use the trail so much and due to the constant rainy weather, they disassembled the trail and moved it under the eaves of the courtyard.!” “This way they can continue to use the trail.” The secretary also mentioned that “The intervention specialist has been using the trail as a calming mechanism for students with behavioral concerns” I did observe that they had placed the “rock wall” portion of the climbing ladder by the wall in order to use it in a different way.”