Tanglewood Makes Play for NFL Dough

CENTRAL — On Friday, Sept. 9 students, teachers, and staff at Tanglewood Elementary participated in the NFL Play 60 Back to Football Friday Health and Wellness grant opportunity.  The NFL awards 34 grants in the amount of $10,000 to elementary schools around the nation as part of their Play 60 initiative.  Each year on the Friday before the first regular season NFL games, schools hold a Back to Football celebration for a chance to win the grant money.

Tanglewood Elementary had activities planned throughout the day.  Students were able to wear Saints shirts and teachers wore referee shirts for the festivities.

All teachers and approximately 100 students participated in a Flash Mob on the court before school, students were from Mrs. Breaux, Mrs. Carline, Mrs. Rispone, and Mrs. Smith’s classes.  As Mrs. Davis was talking to the students, the Monday Night Football theme song, “Are You Ready for Some Football,” began playing and students and teachers began their choreographed dance.  Students who participated in the Flash Mob wore special white t-shirts with the NFL logo on the front.

During PE class, Coach Brian Brown had students participating in NFL Training Camp-style drills, including passing drills, tire drills, and the shuttle run.  Tanglewood students were able to experience what it is like to be in the NFL.

The cafeteria staff created a Saints tailgate atmosphere in the cafeteria.  Students tables were arranged so that the cafeteria staff could set up a Saints tent equipped with standard tailgating items.  Students were served a healthy lunch and experienced a real tailgating atmosphere.

The day culminated in a Touchdown Celebration assembly.  Each class had selected a person to represent their class in a touchdown celebration competition.  Each student was able to simulate scoring a touchdown and then display their celebration.  Our second grade winner was Dylan Bergeron from Mrs. Lewis’ class and our third grade winner was Destiney Gary from Mrs. O’Quinn’s class.

The day was exciting and fun for the students, teachers, and staff.  Pictures and a 100-word write-up will be submitted and then Tanglewood will await word on whether or not they are selected as one of the $10,000 grant winners.

If awarded the grant, the $10,000 will be used to purchase playground equipment to enhance health and wellness at Tanglewood Elementary.

The NFL Play 60 Mission is “To make the next generation of youth the most active and healthy.”

In October 2007, the NFL launched NFL Play 60, a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young infants by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.