Hazlet Class Transforms Into Districtwide Virtual Workout Program

HAZLET, NJ – As part of the abrupt transition to virtual instruction in March amid the coronavirus pandemic, Hazlet special education teacher Marc Rosner began offering remote workouts in lieu of in-person instruction for his Unified Partners class. In a matter of weeks, Rosner, who also serves as the head coach for varsity softball at Raritan High School and head coach for boys’ basketball at Hazlet Middle School, saw the effort quickly expand into a districtwide workout as students and paraprofessionals requested to participate in the weekly classes.

Rosner notes the community aspect of the instruction, as well as the overwhelmingly positive reception the fitness initiative has received from parents. Per the head coach, several district parents have expressed their gratitude for the program’s ability to allow students to see peers and work out together during a period of virtual learning.

“We felt that it was not a need but a necessity, due to the situation, that we should keep our students as engaged as possible,” Rosner told Patch. “Unfortunately, we weren't able to physically be together in the gymnasium, or on an athletic field, so we made the most of our opportunities for our virtual workouts. We've received great feedback from other teachers and parents. The students had made the most of a tough situation and we're very proud of them.”

The class has since expanded from its weekly schedule to offering multiple classes each week for different grade levels. While grades 1-4 can expect a workout on Mondays and Wednesdays, students in grades 5-8 will be able to join in on a fitness class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “The workouts are designed to keep the students excited for the next workout and use them to stay active on their own for a healthy lifestyle,” Rosner said.

All virtual workouts are hosted live from noon until 12:30 p.m. The link to the recorded videos are then emailed to district instructors at 8 a.m. the next day, at which point students can gain access to the workouts from their teachers, according to Rosner.

It’s a NEW Week! ESY Grades 1-4 Virtual Workout is Today is from Noon-12:30pm! Teachers please share link with your students in email. See you there! #HazletProud #StayActive @HazletDirSpSvc @MsMolino @RaritanSports @RaritanHigh @Genepaulin @KRuggieroSDECLC @DrRidleyHazlet pic.twitter.com/pZjZcO2lh6
— Marc Rosner (@M_Rosner4) August 3, 2020

According to the coach, the grade-level differences in workouts include modifications and accommodations for participants. Students and staff can expect bodyweight exercises, towel workouts and TABATA training as part of the class experience.

The virtual workouts are slated to continue for the remainder of the extended school year, which ends on Monday, Aug. 10.

“We enjoy seeing the students, paraprofessionals and other attendees actively engaged, having fun together and being happy,” Rosner said of the unique program. “That goes for in person or virtually. It's all about creating your own healthy active lifestyle, feeling good, and building positive relationships with people.”

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