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Bemus Point Students Complete Virtual Trip, Honored By State Assembly

Bemus Point students were recently recognized by New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell for their virtual march to Albany. Submitted photos

On Wednesday, Bemus Point Elementary students were visited by New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell as they celebrated their accomplishment of walking 880,000 steps.

Physical Education teacher, Ryan Lucas, said throughout this past trimester his students learned about using pedometers to track their personal health and fitness goals. Using pedometers, students began a very special project. The project was titled “A Walk to Albany.” Students in the third, fourth and fifth grades set a goal to complete enough steps in physical education class to “walk” from their elementary school in Bemus Point all the way to the state capital in Albany. With this virtual trip in place, the students problem-solved and calculated that they needed to complete 880,000 steps, which equals the approximately 352 miles to Albany.

Lucas said the students calculated all the steps that they took each day in physical education class and added them to a large map of New York State as they tracked their daily progress. Along the way, students learned all about the New York State Capital and the role of state government at all levels. Students also “visited” various New York State landmarks that they passed along the way and learned many of the exciting things that New York State has to offer.

The project required the students to utilize math, social studies, ELA and science skills along their virtual journey. The students computed daily walking distances, studied regional geography and landmarks, read about important facets of state government and learned about the diverse environment of New York State.

After meeting their goal and “arriving” at the New York State capital building, students were rewarded with a very special school assembly. Attending the day of celebration was Goodell. He presented the students with an official NYS Assembly Proclamation commemorating the student’s successful journey and all of their efforts. The students also received a personal letter from Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo congratulated the students on the success of their project and their focus on health and fitness while learning about our home state of New York.

“I am very proud of all of the students here at Bemus Point Elementary for reaching their goals. Finding new and exciting ways to instill a passion for health and physical activity in our students is a task that the Bemus Point School District takes a lot of pride in. This project has been so much fun and has taught our students all about the vast state that they live in along with many of the opportunities that are available for them to stay active for a lifetime” said Sonja Dubois, elementary school principal.

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