KINGSPORT, Tenn. – John Adams Elementary School was awarded the inaugural School Bell Award for fitness program excellence by the Tennessee Principals Association (TPA), in recognition of their Morning Mile Program.  Adams Elementary was the first school to ever receive this award.

The Morning Mile, coordinated by Physical Education teacher Jason Hincke, is a voluntary running program open to all students at Adams Elementary.  With the assistance of nearly 30 parent volunteers over the course of a week, students in grades K-5 meet weekday mornings to run before school begins.  Between 50 and 70 students in grades 3-5 run an average of one and one-half to two miles each day, and between 30 and 50 students in grades K-2 run an average of one mile each day. Studies show that students who participate in physical activities such as the Morning Mile program are better prepared to learn since blood flow to the brain is stimulated.

“We are so proud of Mr. Hincke, his Morning Mile participants, and the parent volunteers who assist with this program,” said John Adams Elementary School Principal Dr. Stephanie Potter.  “It is such a welcome sight each morning to see the dedication and commitment each of these students exhibits as they ‘run their own race.’  They are preparing themselves mentally and physically for a successful day and successful life as they demonstrate the stamina and perseverance needed to be ‘world class’ citizens.” 

The School Bell Award was presented to Adams Associate Principal Philip Wright during the TPA Annual State Conference which was held December 8-10 in Nashville, TN.

For more information on the Morning Mile program, visit morningmile.com.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,100 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNPCE).

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

####