By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

MT LAUREL—Although the school day was over, Hilltop Montessori School was still full of activity on Nov. 6 at the third Hilltop Health Club afterschool meeting.

Hilltop Montessori kicked off the Hilltop Health Club in October after receiving a grant from the Healthy Kids Initiative funded by the CRX Corporation. Although the school’s gym is currently under construction, the program keeps kids moving by introducing them to new and different activities, outside of what they might learn in a physical education class.

“We thought, why are we waiting for the gym to be ready to do activities after school? We can certainly start now,” Hilltop Montessori Head of School Michele Wilensky said. “What we’re trying to do is have a different thing each time so the kids aren’t bored.”

So far, kids have learned yoga and participated in a “monster mash dance party” and a Halloween fun run during Hilltop Health Club. The Nov. 6 meeting introduced students to Tae Kwon Do.

Tae Kwon Do master Justin Scarsella, from Inverness-based Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, taught students the basics of the martial art. Students first pledged to never use what they learned against each other, then they learned proper punching and kicking form.

After every activity, students learn about healthy habits and enjoy a snack. Kids cooled down with smoothies after a fun and active Tae Kwon Do class.

“Every time, we have a little talk at the end,” Wilensky said. “We do an activity and then (have) a different kind of healthy snack the kids might like.”

The Hilltop Health Club has a fun-filled schedule of activities coming up. In December two Irontribe fitness trainers will lead a workout routine designed for kids, and in January the club will learn deep breathing and relaxation techniques.

The Hilltop Health Club is open to all students, and any students interested are encouraged to drop by for a meeting.

“We want them to find a way to keep physically fit that they like,” Wilensky said.