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When a group of fourth- and fifth-graders gets together at Hillpoint Elementary School, you can expect some good stepping to happen.

The Hillpoint Elite step team is only in its second year, but the team already is preparing for its first competition and reaping the rewards that come with having students involved in a fun, engaging extracurricular activity.

Second-grade teacher Kia Wiggins and fifth-grade teacher Shante Lyttle are the coaches for the team, and they list discipline, time management, organization, memorization skills, teamwork, physical fitness, fun, laughs, love and a family atmosphere as among the positive outcomes of students participating on the team, eventually promoting academic and behavioral success. Hillpoint Elite steppers have to get good grades and be a positive role model to remain on the team.

“We began the Hillpoint Elite step team because we saw the need of a program outlet for our students,” said Wiggins, who got the process started by showing off her own stepping skills during a holiday sing-along in 2017 and spurring many students to ask questions. “Many students are not involved in extracurricular activities, and we decided to provide them with a rigorous after-school activity.”

The team has gained a lot of support from the school community, and we think it’s a great addition to the slate of extracurricular activities offered at the school. We wish the Hillpoint Elite much success in its upcoming competition.