To encourage being more active in the new year, 16 faculty members began a group “Fitbit Challenge” at the beginning of the second semester. Led by English teacher Leighann Fenter, the 10 week challenge will come to an end March 10.

“A lot of teachers wanted to get more active for the New Year, and I thought this would be a good way to reach that goal,” Fenter said. “I know for me that other people pressuring me makes me more likely to do it.”

Participants each paid a fee of $25 to join the group, and the top three having the most steps by the end of the competition will receive $160, $50, and $15 respectively.

“Each week if the teachers have 50,000 steps, then they get their dollar back at the end of the week,” Fenter said. “That is averaging 10,000 steps a day, but I’ve seen many teachers with nearly 100,ooo steps.”

The challenge has created new, healthier habits for teachers.

“When I got home from school, I used to be exhausted and fall asleep for 30 minutes here and there,” English II teacher Terra Lyon said. “Now I’m going to bed at a reasonable time and getting a good sleep because I’m doing something to give me more energy during the day.”

For math teacher Phyllis Clark, the competition brings a better awareness of how she spends her time.

“I’ve been more active instead of just sitting and watching TV hours on end,” Clark said. “I also haven’t been spending time on Facebook. The walking has helped clear my mind throughout the day to do something more productive.”

Those who use the Fitbit are required to sync their steps daily so that the group can see how they compare to each other. However, participants without a Fitbit can send a screenshot of the amount of steps they have tracked using their smartphones.

“I had already challenged myself to walk for the New Year,”  Clark said. “I think it has been good for keeping me accountable.”

While he restrained from participating due to his constant activity throughout the school day, Vice Principal John King still wanted to find a way to be a part of the competition.

“Ms. Fenter came up with the idea of me being the one to set the bar for everyone else,” he said. “If people beat my number of steps during the week, they get to wear jeans one day during the next week.”

While the challenge will officially end right before spring break, Fenter  hopes the competition creates lasting habits.

“Hopefully after the 10 weeks is over, we will have a chance to keep doing the challenge,” she said. “Since you can keep syncing your steps on the Fitbit app–even though it’s not for money–maybe that will keep people motivated throughout the whole school year.”