Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
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minutes, depending on their grade level. You can't make a big impact on a child's fitness level with so little time, but BOKS successfully aug- ments our efforts." There's no doubt that kids love BOKS. But does it really work? NIOST (National Institute on Out-of-School Time) out of Wellesley College is halfway through its five-year evaluation of the program, but early indicators are very positive. "Kids are now excited to get to school, they're more focused, and tardiness levels have dropped," says Tullie. "When we surveyed 1,100 kids, 96 percent of them said they wanted to do BOKS again, even if it meant getting up an hour [earlier] before school, so we know we're doing something right." At the beginning of the program, the kids are timed on their 400- meter run. "By the end of the program, those who couldn't run 400 meters are running it with ease, and their DIBELS [Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills] scores suggest a trend in a positive direction as well," says Tullie. Ruth Keyes, a mother of four whose children attend Schofield School in Wellesley, is a huge supporter of the program. "My kids are on their third session of BOKS," she says. "I've given them the option to sleep in on a few occasions and they won't have it. The mixed age groups let the older kids take the younger ones under their wings and set a good example. BOKS has taught my children a lot about nutrition, too. I can't say they still don't want junk food, but the awareness of what goes into their bodies has increased dramatically." "I tell the kids that BOKS is like a healthy breakfast," adds Cavallerano. "It's the most important start to their day — and afterwards, the ants are out of their pants, they have a boost of energy and confidence, and they're ready to learn." To find out more about BOKS or to bring the program to your school visit www.BOKSkids.org 142 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | s p r i n g 2 0 1 4 fitness & health "a boost of energy and confidence" "Toilet Tag" is fun to play and keeps kids moving. C O U R T E S Y O F D A R R E N B O V I E