My School In Motion received its start when Apryl Krakovsky, a fitness-minded mother of three, stepped in to help her children’s school meet the state’s requirements for PE, as well as to encourage healthy lifestyles for the entire school community. Inspired by the emerging research on the cognitive impact of exercise, and drawing on her prior experience as a teacher, Apryl began developing a program that provided 15 minutes of daily movement every morning, as part of the school day, on the school’s blacktop. In addition, she delivered daily messages about the critical importance of proper nutrition, health and personal choice. Apryl wanted to provide students with an early positive experience with physical activity, at the same time educating and empowering them to make smart choices for themselves, setting them on a path of a lifetime of health, productivity and happiness. The Overland In Motion program has been a great success since its inception and is in its tenth year.
Since it’s launch in 2009, the My School In Motion program has received much attention and praise, including that from First Lady Michelle Obama, who recognized Apryl as “a pioneer in creating active school environments.” The program won the 2010 Gold Medal Spotlight Award from the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports ($10,000 Award), was the West Regional Winner of the 2012 Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP) Physical Activity Innovation Competition ($25,000 Award), and has been featured in the Let’s Move! Newsletter.
In 2013, My School In Motion, Inc., a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, was formed with the hope that children across America, regardless of race and socio-economic status, will be given the opportunity to reap the benefits of a daily dose of exercise and wellness at the beginning of their school day. Apryl and her dedicated team have devoted their time to spreading best practices by speaking at key events, training teachers, and creating the materials and teaching resources necessary to allow other schools to replicate the My School in Motion program.
Today, 53 schools are IN Motion! The list is growing as we continue to partner with movement and wellness enthusiastic teachers, schools and districts.