Rockland Schools Participated in ‘March Forward’ 
to Promote Physical Activity in the Classroom

NEW CITY, NY, - Teachers and students in schools across Rockland County participated in the 13^th Annual March Forward from March 3 through March 14, 2025, during Rockland’s annual school-based physical activity awareness weeks. March Forward raises awareness and promotes the importance of physical activity for learning readiness and personal well-being.  

During the two weeks of March Forward, teachers led students in short physical activity breaks, played short exercise videos, and used a variety of physical activities to teach lessons to strengthen students’ understanding. School districts worked with their communications specialists to post photos and videos using the hashtag #MarchForwardRC to share their ideas and encourage others to use this simple but important strategy.

“Physical activity throughout the school day has been shown to improve student and staff well-being and academic outcomes. We encourage teachers to use physical activity in the classroom year-round, not just during March Forward to help reduce stress, increase memory, improve readiness to learn, and add a bit of fun,” said Carrie Steindorff, Rockland County Department of Health School Health Coordinator. 

“Physical activity really does help us feel our best, do better in school, and relieve our stress,” said Anna Fioravanti, Valley Cottage Elementary School teacher.

“Physical activity not only enhances students' physical well-being but also boosts their cognitive function, focus, and overall academic performance.  Teachers are increasingly integrating movement into lessons, from brain breaks to active learning strategies, to improve engagement, memory retention, and classroom behavior,” said Teresa Wargo, Physical Education teacher at West Haverstraw Elementary School.

March Forward was created by the Rockland County School Health and Wellness Coalition, led by the Rockland County Department of Health and Rockland Teachers’ Center. Visit the Health Department’s March Forward webpage to find resources, articles, and videos on physical activity in the classroom. For more information, contact Carrie Steindorff at 845-364-2360 or steindoc@co.rockland.ny.us.

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