Students on Cross Country Skis

What's the best way to enjoy a long cold winter? Embrace it! That's what Horizon Middle School students did thanks to grant money from PartnerSHIP 4 Health. PE teacher Nicole Wiesner purchased cross country ski equipment to get students moving this past winter. 

Minnesota’s notorious winters make it difficult to engage in outdoor activity. This is especially true for middle school students, who often rely on limited indoor physical education time to get their daily dose of physical activity. But sometimes all it takes is a change to try a fun new outdoor activity to get students moving again despite the cold.

What Do Students Think 

The verdict? Nicole Wiesner reports that the equipment is a hit. “I wanted to give our students the opportunity to try Nordic skiing, so I asked PartnerSHIP 4 Health to partner with Horizon Middle School to provide funding for cross country ski equipment. It is a great opportunity to get kids moving outside and maybe find some new recruits for our Nordic ski team.” 

    

In the words of one appreciative student, "It was so fun coming out of a covid year and trying a new outdoor activity," said Maren Stumo, 8th grade student.

Check out a cross country ski trail near you:

Learn more

Learn more about PartnerSHIP 4 Health (local public health in Becker, Clay, Otter Tail and Wilkin counties) at http://partnership4health.org.