On Feb. 2, Prairie Winds Elementary School hosted its fifth annual Hawk Strong Day, a signature event dedicated to promoting health and wellness among students in grades 1–6. Named after the school’s mascot, the Hawks, this special day features expert-led workshops that encourage students to explore various aspects of a healthy lifestyle, including physical fitness, nutrition, risk prevention, and emotional well-being.
The event, which began in 2018 following the creation of District 38’s first Wellness Committee, was designed to serve as a model for student wellness initiatives. “Hawk Strong Day was born out of a collective effort from parents, educators, and health specialists who wanted to bring our district’s Wellness Policy to life in a meaningful way for students,” explained Jimel Rushing, P.E. Teacher. “It’s an opportunity for kids to see that being healthy isn’t just about exercise—it’s about making good choices in every part of their lives.”
Events have featured interactive stations, each led by professionals in various health-related fields. Past presenters included dentists, neurologists, pediatricians, sleep experts, athletes from the U.S. Air Force Academy, dietary specialists and fitness instructors. Popular sessions included yoga, Zumba, and an obstacle course designed to challenge students physically while keeping them engaged and entertained.
One of the standout workshops this year was led by Bret Mischlich, owner of Tri-Lakes Taekwondo and fellow P.E. teacher at Palmer Lake Elementary School, who recently won a gold medal at the Taekwondo U.S. Masters Cup in Houston. This earned him a spot to compete at the Masters World Games in Taiwan this May.
Mischlich introduced students to the fundamental principles of the Korean martial art. “Taekwondo requires equal use of both sides of the body and midline crossing tasks that help strengthen neural connections between the brain’s hemispheres,” Mischlich explained. “This type of movement not only improves physical coordination but also enhances cognitive development.”
Students were especially excited to participate in the Taekwondo session, with many eager to perform the traditional Kiap, a powerful yell used when executing kicks. “The opportunity for students to break a board at the end of each session was definitely a highlight,” Mischlich added. “Sharing my passion for Taekwondo inspires students and often gives them the confidence to try new activities and develop a lifelong love for fitness.”
Beyond the physical benefits, Hawk Strong Day also emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being. “We want students to understand that health is a lifelong journey that includes taking care of their bodies, minds, and relationships,” Rushing said. “Through hands-on experiences, they see that healthy choices can be fun and rewarding.”
As the event wrapped up, students left feeling energized and inspired to incorporate what they learned into their daily lives. With another successful Hawk Strong Day in the books, Prairie Winds Elementary continues to champion student wellness, proving that a strong foundation in health and fitness starts at an early age.