Announcing Partnership with BCBSMA and Attleboro Public Schools

12/13/18

 

BOKS PARTNERS WITH ATTLEBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS TO BRING PROGRAMMING TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

BOKS curriculum gets kids moving, teaches them about nutrition

ATTLEBORO – Attleboro elementary students will have even more opportunities to get moving and playing, all while learning more about nutrition and wellness. BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success) will bring its science-based curriculum to all public Attleboro elementary schools beginning in September of 2019, thanks to a three-year partnership between the Boston-based organization, the Attleboro Public Schools and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA).

The BOKS curriculum gets kids moving for approximately 45 minutes before or after the school day, three days per week. Each BOKS class starts with free play and socializing, followed by a warm-up, running-related activity, practice of a particular skill through non-competitive relays or obstacle courses and a game. At the end of the class, participants stretch, cool down and discuss the nutrition tip of the week.

This won’t be the first time BOKS programming takes place in Attleboro schools. Previously, the limited number of schools offering BOKS programming reported seeing fewer office visits from students on BOKS class days.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that we are educating the whole child for each and every student entrusted in our care, and wellness is a big part of that,” said Attleboro Superintendent David Sawyer. “We’ve seen firsthand the academic and behavioral benefits programs like the one offered by BOKS provide. We are grateful that even more Attleboro students will be able to reap those benefits thanks to our new partnership with BOKS and Blue Cross.”

“We are excited to support programs and initiatives that foster healthy living in communities across Massachusetts,” said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross. “By encouraging kids to be active first thing in the morning and teaching them about healthy nutrition, the BOKS program is doing just that. As a result, Attleboro students will be set up for success inside and outside of the classroom.”

“BOKS is thrilled to have the support of BCBSMA in all Attleboro Public Schools to get even more kids moving and active before the school day,” said Kathleen Tullie, Founder and Director of BOKS. “Partnerships like this one have been an integral part of the BOKS growth as all parties understand how critical health and wellness in creating a healthy future for our children.”

While BOKS programming won’t officially begin until the start of the 2019-2020 school year, there are plans to preview a class at an event in late spring 2019.

###

About BOKS:BOKS is a physical activity program that empowers school communities to improve their children physically, mentally and socially through the power of movement. Backed by science, BOKS provides each school community with a robust curriculum, training and on-going support to establish and maintain impactful programs serving the whole child. In an effort to close the fitness inequality gap, the BOKS program is 100% FREE to schools so that children have access to the extensive health and wellness benefits of sports and fitness no matter their income level.

 Media Contacts

BOKS

Michela North, Marketing Coordinator, 781.264.4814, michela.north@bokskids.org

Attleboro Public Schools

David Sawyer, Superintendent, 508.222.0012

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Kacey Brister, Public Affairs Sr. Specialist, 337.401.2098, kacey.brister@bcbsma.com