El Sierra students are strapping on their sneakers for a popular new after-school activity.

A total of 65 fourth- through sixth-grade students signed to participate in the school’s Run/Walk Club, which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.

The club, which is co-sponsored by fifth-grade teachers Maura Prekwas and Meg Adams, offers an opportunity for students to exercise while developing socially and emotionally.

Students are given a charm bracelet, and they earn a foot charm to add to the bracelet for each week they participate in both sessions. Rather than racing, students can choose to walk or run, while setting personal goals and encouraging each other.

A school where Prekwas had previously taught had a Run/Walk Club set up by the PE teacher, and she decided it was something she wanted to bring to El Sierra.

“I saw how the students in my class enjoyed it and how it helped them get to know each other better,” she said. “Meg and I decided that a Run Club would fit in perfectly with our Social Emotional Learning standards, and it’s an added bonus that this club also promotes physical fitness and well-being.”

The club will meet until October 27, then pick back up again in the spring.