anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
40 CANON-MAC
Every Step Counts: Kids of STEEL at Canon-McMillan
For more than 10 years, the Kids of STEEL program at Canon-McMillan School District has encouraged students to stay active, build confidence and discover a passion for running.
What began in 2013 as a small initiative at North Strabane Intermediate School has grown into a program with nearly 80 student participants this year alone. Fifthgrade teacher Amy Zimmerman, who helped launch the program, said the goal has always been simple: allow students to challenge themselves in a positive and supportive environment.
Zimmerman, now in her 17th year teaching fifth-grade English language arts and social studies at Canon- McMillan, continues to coordinate the program alongside her husband, Michael Zimmerman. The program is part of the larger Kids of STEEL initiative connected to P3R and the Pittsburgh Marathon.
Kids of STEEL is open to children ages 6-13 and encourages students to complete 25 miles between January and April before finishing their final mile during race weekend in Pittsburgh. At North Strabane Intermediate, students train during the school’ s exploratory period, a structured activity time built into the school day.
Practices combine fitness with fun. Students participate in relay races, obstacle courses, interval running and games. The goal is not speed or competition but helping students build endurance and confidence at their own pace.
“ Some of them start out barely being able to run for three minutes,” Zimmerman said.“ By the end, they’ re all able to run for 10 minutes. They definitely build up their stamina.”
The program also provides flexibility for families. Students can participate in the free in-school training program without committing to the official Pittsburgh race weekend event.
Over the years, Zimmerman said she has seen the program’ s impact extend far beyond physical fitness.
“ A lot of these kids sign up to run cross country and track later on,” she said.“ Kids that might never have been athletes get interested in running and continue with it.”
She said the program helps students develop confidence and perseverance while creating friendships and positive habits.
“ I think it’ s just a great program for the kids,” Zimmerman said.“ Seeing their faces when they finish the race makes it all worth it.”