PSD names Leslei Adams as February 2020 MERIT winner

Polk School District celebrated a long-serving educator who has helped shape voices of hundreds of students over the years.

February’s award sought to honor student services personnel, and Leslei Adams of Eastside Elementary was nominated and won this month’s M.E.R.I.T. Award winner.

She’s a Speech Language Pathologist who has served the district for 32 years provided help to many youth coming through the district over the years who needed help with the speech development, but also been a friend to all.

Including Superintendent Laurie Atkins, who was excited to present the award during the Board of Education’s February work and community input session.

The district also took care of some other business during a busy community input and work session on Feb. 4.

Board members approved a trio of field trip requests for students to participate in state SkillsUSA competition, in a meeting for dentistry students and middle school students to participate in student council work. All three of the March trips are overnight events, and take youth to Atlanta in mid-March.

Next month will see votes on policy changes tabled for 30 days by unanimous votes of the board during their work session as well. Updates required by state law or being done by the district locally are under review for issues ranging from sportsmanship to required Suicide Prevention training, a course already utilized by educators ahead of the start of each school year and now locally required.

Set a timer to go off every 30 or 45 minutes. When it goes off, get up from your chair and stretch or do jumping jacks for one minute.

Take the stairs whenever you have the opportunity, and take the long way around your building for a few extra steps.

Every time your phone rings, stand up and do a few calf raises.

On your feet most of the day? Aim for a quick set of squats several times a day. With your feet under your hips, bend your knees as if you’re going to sit in a chair behind you, keeping your knees behind your toes. Pause when your thighs are parallel to the ground (or as deep as is comfortable), return to starting position, and repeat.

Watching TV? Turn

Keep a jump rope handy. It’s a full-body exercise that’s fun for kids and adults alike.

Toss a Frisbee or softball outside for a few minutes with your kids.

Take a walk or bike ride through a park or neighborhood you’ve never explored before.

Instead of going out for dinner or drinks, invite your friends to play pool or go bowling. Or host a cookout and set up outdoor games like cornhole (“bags”), croquet, or volleyball.

On a car trip? Stop every hour or two to walk and stretch for a bit.

If you’re flying, check your bags or slip your carry-on over your shoulder and take a brisk walk through the terminal before your flight.

Do some squats or lunges in your hotel room while you’re getting ready in the morning.

At your hotel, ask for recommendations for nearby restaurants, and walk there for lunch or dinner.

You’re never too busy to live healthy. Have fun, be creative and get fit.