A handful of elementary schools in Airdrie and Cochrane have started utilizing the 'SPARK for Learning' program.

The exercise program was launched by Michelle Deen, Child Psychologist with RVS four years ago, introducing 20 minutes of exercise at the start of each day to help kids stay engaged.

AE Bowers was the first school in Airdrie to introduce the program, but with the recent opening of Coopers Crossing, the Principal, Todd Hennig wanted to roll it out right away.

"I started it with him (Hennig) when he was a Principal in Chestermere, and he actually asked me if I could sit with him when he was designing the school (Cooper's Crossing) to see if he could create some spaces for kids to work out in their classrooms and in the common areas," said Deen.

For the schools that have the program, many have seen a lot of positive changes in the students and their learning.

"Some of the benefits at AE Bowers were the kids were more engaged in class, they were more regulated, more attention to tasks in class, and from a social-emotional perspective they came to school to do SPARK for learning."

Another benefit said Deen, is that when everyone at the school participates, including the staff and students, it helps build relationships in a different way that has proven to be extremely beneficial. 

A video of the program is available on the RVS YouTube page.