Photos by Barbara Banks and Ann Moy.
Kids were hoppin’, boppin’ and learning a lot Friday morning at Forest Knolls Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD. The Washington Capitals mascot, Slapshot, and his buddy, DJ Jarrod, entertained and educated third, fourth and fifth graders at an assembly entitled ‘Feeling Great.’ The upbeat, 50 minute lesson emphasizes the importance of eating right, fitness and having fun using humor, music, dancing and games. The students and staff had a great time participating in the lively, motivating activities. Everyone got a kick out of DJ Jarrod and Slapshot, but Air Slapshot, a gigantic blow-up version of the Caps’ feathered mascot, really stole the show.
Alice Moller, a fourth grader, was enthusiastic and excited about the lesson. “The assembly was really fun because we got to dance and stretch out,” she said. “Slapshot was really funny, and the DJ was cool because he told funny stories about Slapshot.”
“Nutrition is so overlooked that to bring it up in a fun way will help kids become aware of it,” explained physical education teacher, Martha Zanger. “The program itself was awesome, professional and really engaged the kids.”
Jarrod Wronski, a.k.a. DJ Jarrod, has been performing school shows with Slapshot for three years, and has worked with the Washington Capitals organization for eleven years. He is always amazed by the impact the performances have on the kids.
“The lesson helps kids learn about fitness and eating right, and that they can have fun doing it,” said Wronski. “It starts with the students, and carries over to their families and the community. We know we are getting to the kids.”
Wronski is also the owner of Metro DC DJs and SportsAnnouncing.com. Other available school programs starring Slapshot and DJ Jarrod include ‘Reading is Fundamental’, ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’, school pep rallies and test prep. E-mail [email protected] or call 202-266-2230 to book a show.
