For the past 10 years, Horace Mann Elementary students have been starting their school days with a few extra steps and a whole lot of miles.

Each morning, students have the opportunity to participate in the school’s Morning Mile Club, a completely optional program led by Physical Education Teacher, Brian Marx. Before the school day begins, students head over to Liberty Heights park, where they can run, walk, or jog as many or few laps as they’d like.

For Mr. Marx, the program has a personal connection. The idea began while he was training for the Disney marathon, where he met fitness expert and Morning Mile founder Fitz Kohler. The two became friends, and she helped Mr. Marx bring the program to Horace Mann! Ten years later, Morning Mile has become a familiar part of mornings at the school.

Each lap around Liberty Heights is a quarter of a mile. When the weather turns cold, the club moves indoors to the gym where students complete 20 laps to reach one mile. The students can participate whenever they choose, which continues to keep the program flexible and accessible for everyone.

The miles continue to keep adding up! Horace Mann students collectively completed 837.5 miles through this club, and one student logged an incredible 110 miles!

The program also gives students something to celebrate along the way. Once someone reaches five miles, they receive a necklace and shoe charm. Every additional five miles earns another charm, creating a collection that represents each student’s progress and effort.

But for Mr. Marx, the impact of Morning Mile goes beyond the numbers. He has seen students who participate arrive at school more focused and has noticed improved behavior on days when they get moving before the school day! Most importantly, he loves seeing students make physical activity part of the beginning of their day, and watching it become something they look forward to.

The early start may also help students develop a lasting interest in running and fitness. Mr. Marx has noticed that many of the girls who later participate in Horace Mann’s Girls on the Run program first get involved through the Morning Mile!

One decade later, the Morning Mile continues to give students a simple opportunity: show up, get moving, and see how far you can go. Whether a student completes one lap or works toward their next five-mile milestone, every step counts!

Click here to learn more about Morning Mile and take a look at this article from Spectrum News, published back in 2022.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage meaningful conversations, and remind students, families, and staff that support is available. Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and every member of our school community can play a role in helping students feel connected, supported, and heard.

Across WAWM, staff members contribute to the social and emotional well-being of our students every day. Teachers, counselors, educational assistants, social workers, administrators, and other school staff build relationships with students, recognize when a student may be struggling, and help connect students and families with appropriate resources and support. Our Student Services team helps coordinate this work through social-emotional learning initiatives, partnerships with mental health therapy agencies, and connections with community health organizations.

Our schools also have Hope Squads, student-led groups focused on creating a culture of connection, kindness, and support among their peers. Hope Squad members receive training to recognize signs that a peer may be struggling and know how to connect students with trusted adults and appropriate resources.

Families and caregivers play an important role, too. Taking time to check in with a student, listen without judgment, and let them know they are not alone can help create an environment where asking for help feels safe and supported.

For additional information and resources related to Suicide Prevention Month, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Suicide Prevention Month resources. Click here to access NAMI resources.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.