University of Southern Maine

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The Explosions Rock Gorham Middle School

April 29, 2005

Sheila C. McAtee, a graduate student in the University of Southern Maine College of Education and Human Development, and a social studies teacher at Gorham Middle School, designed a research project as part of her masters program that blossomed into a life-changing activity for eighth grade students.

McAtee was concerned about the health and self-esteem of students who don't ordinarily participate in organized sports. She designed a project for her Education Leadership Practicum that has three components for students: line dancing lessons, group walking, and healthy pot-luck breakfasts.

Line dancing lessons began in September 2004. Students meet before school on Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. The students were so enthusiastic they organized themselves into a school club, allowing their photo to appear in the yearbook, developed a dress code for performing, and now have team shirts. Additionally, they meet McAtee with their parents at a local dance studio with their parents one evening a week. The group has grown over the year with about 19 girls and boys participating regularly.

Members of the Explosions were so confident about their dancing ability, they line danced to heavy metal music at the first school-sponsored dance in October, and plan to perform in the annual middle school talent show.

The pot luck meals allowed McAtee to informally discuss nutrition with students, demonstrating that healthy food can be fun and good to eat.

The walking club began in January 2005 and introduces students, who might not otherwise be athletic, to another path to lifelong physical fitness. Pedometers, activity logs and distance goals combine with the final goal to reach 10,000 steps, or five miles in a moderately active day.

Editor's Note: To see The Explosions perform, call McAtee at 222-1235.

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