By Louise Carpenter

East Somerville Community School students recently enjoyed a hike at the Fells, thanks to programming made possible by the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant.

As part of the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant, Somerville will continue to expand its student programming with Waypoint Adventures this winter and moving into the spring, with the help of Kathleen Houghton, Special Education Recreation Specialist for the Somerville Public Schools.

Last week, Ms. Spence’s class from the East Somerville Community School went on a winter hike at the Fell’s. While there was not enough snow to go snowshoeing as originally planned, students donned their winter hiking footwear and hiked up and over rocky, icy terrain. The class discussed teamwork and how they could work as a team throughout the hike in order to support each other as they made their way toward their final destination at Wright’s Tower.

Also last week, Ms. O’Reilly’s class at the Kennedy traded swimming for a morning of indoor kayaking with Waypoint. The group discussed supporting each other and challenging themselves before entering the pool in their individual kayaks. One student even practiced a water exit with the help of Waypoint staff and volunteers. She was all smiles after this challenging maneuver.

Students and staff members are looking forward to exciting new Waypoint adventures in the next several months.

Learn more about Somerville PEP and ways in which you and your family can stay healthy and active year-round at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/pep. The PEP program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.