Susan Parillo, the health and physical education teacher at Winsor Hill Elementary School who is well-known for going above and beyond the call of duty, may have hosted her all-time best Healthy Kids Day last Thursday in Johnston.
The school was a flurry of activity throughout the day, with students learning valuable life lessons concerning health, wellness, proper eating as well taking in an impressive performance by members of the Kaleidoscope Theater about anti-bullying.
“It was a great day at Winsor Hill School,” said Parillo, who doubles as head coach of Johnston High School’s champion cheerleading squad. “This day is all about reinforcing many health lessons taught throughout the year and enhancing the student curriculum with community involvement.”
Enter Mario Mennella, a Johnston Police officer who once again provided what Parillo called “a great motivational lesson on making positive choices and striving to be the best.”
Mennella, who also owns and operates Premier Martial arts, manned one of eight stations that kept students moving throughout the programs that were held in two-hour sessions before and after the Winsor Hill lunch periods.
Yet another station featured Matt Church from the Cranston YMCA explaining why it is important to find a recreational activity that leads to life-time wellness. One of that station’s highlights was students testing their speed against other kids in relay-like fashion.
Donna Tringali of the American Heart Association taught students about their hearts and ways to even make them stronger, complete with a special inflated poster of a heart.
Max Man, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery’s mascot, was again a huge hit with the students on being a super hero with his mighty message about recycling.
4-Safety, which was sponsored by Hasbro Children’s Hospital, staged a health and safety quiz game where students engaged in a special ring toss activity outside the school.
Walgreens Pharmacy, courtesy of Plainfield Pike store manager Kristy Pistacchio, presented a program that stressed the importance of staying away from medicine and drugs that included an explanation of why people have to take medications that are prescribed by a doctor.
Donna Humphries of Aramark Foods presented a program on healthy snacks with children completing several activities then enjoying a special snack. Even AAA of Rhode Island put on an important bicycle safety program that included demonstration of wearing the proper helmet.
The fun and informative day was completed by the Kaleidoscope Theater about anti-bullying.
“The play was impressive and touched upon several issues facing out youth today,” Parillo said. “The ultimate message was that one person can make a difference and once voice can be heard. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what is right.”
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