Green Valley Elementary School has been participating in a study of the "Take 10!" program since the beginning of the year. Colorado's First Lady, Mrs. Frances Owens will be visiting Green Valley (4100 Jericho St.) on March 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to observe the program.

"Take 10!" is a classroom-based physical activity program to promote the interaction between mind and body. Children take ten minutes to incorporate physical activity while learning academics. The program is part of a statewide plan to combat obesity called "Colorado on the Move."

"For example, teachers might incorporate jumping jacks while teaching multiplication tables," said Dr. Mary Barry, "Take 10!" project director. "It's a mind body connection that can occur while teaching in four academic areas: math, science, social studies and literature."

Materials are provided to give teachers ideas on how to incorporate physical activity while teaching in that content area.
Four Denver Public Schools are currently participating in this pilot project that is the first in the state. Those schools are: Green Valley, Cheltenham, Columbian, and Colfax.

The study is sponsored by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and ILSI / Center for Health Promotion.