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By Adam Harris, Communications Coordinator
Arlington Heights School District 25
Windsor Elementary School, in Arlington Heights,
became involved in a literal movement last year, and
the Wildcats will keep on moving this school year.
After researching different ways to engage
students, Principal Shelley Fabrizio and Assistant
Principal Virginia (Ginny) Hiltz used school
improvement funds to allow their Wildcats to stay fit
while learning by purchasing various fit workstations.
“
This was a great experiment,” Fabrizio said. “It
allowed students to take ownership of their learning
because they had to be mindful of when they were
feeling engaged and how their physical needs
impacted their attention and focus.”
Windsor purchased many fit workstations, ranging
from standing desks, bike desks, an elliptical desk,
desk cycles to Ergo chairs. These pieces rotated
throughout the building in classrooms last year as
every student at Windsor had the chance to try at
least one piece of equipment. The students were then
surveyed (results on page 2) to find out which fit
workstation best “fit” their needs.
“Some of the pieces were a huge hit, and others
weren’t as popular,” Hiltz said, “but the bottom line is
that students loved the chance to test them out. Many
even said they were able to concentrate and focus
more on academics while using the equipment and
that’s what we were after.”
There was no question, however, that the Ergo
chairs were an all around hit. Windsor purchased six
more Ergo chairs at the end of last year, all of which
are currently being used every day throughout the
school.
Students learning in motion at Windsor Elementary
Ergo Chairs:
*One Kindergarten teacher shared, "I have loved these chairs...more than I ever thought I would. The kids
were great with them!"
*97% (188/194 students) enjoyed using the Ergo chairs and would want to use them again.
*Students noted that they liked the bold colors of the chairs and that they were fun and comfortable. Other
specific benefits included that they were good for practicing balance and working core muscles and that they
were easy to move around.