Memorial Hermann Cypress launched a partnership with Cy-Fair ISD this fall sponsoring GoNoodle Plus, a collection of more than 300 three- to five-minute interactive videos that promote physical activity while reinforcing concepts being taught in classrooms. The videos are available at all 53 elementary schools in the district. The $165,000 annual investment allows nearly 54,000 students to access the videos both in the classroom and at home. As a part of the partnership, Memorial Hermann will cover the entire cost of the program. Keith Elementary School Principal Dawn Tryon said teachers and students have embraced the program since it launched at the beginning of the 2017 school year. Students have fun, but they also receive health and academic benefits, she said. Videos have students doing everything from practicing spelling to solving puzzles to following along with dance moves. “Teachers facilitate rigorous lessons, and kids simply need brain breaks,” she said. “GoNoodle videos have kids up and moving and dancing and singing. This allows them to channel their energy and then bring them back down for that serious learning.” GoNoodle reports the program typically increases reading and math scores by about 23 percent and 50 percent, respectively. Across the 53 CFISD schools where the program has been implemented, teachers played more than 20,000 videos throughout the month of October. GoNoodle CEO Scott McQuigg said CFISD is the first Houston-area school district to start incorporating GoNoodle Plus into the classroom. The premium plan that includes customizable games, monthly usage reports, training and support for educators. The Nashville-based company reaches classrooms in all 50 states and 180 countries, he said. Heath Rushing, Memorial Hermann Cypress senior vice president and CEO, said his expectations for the program have already been exceeded as 67 percent of the district’s elementary students have been reached within the first few months of the partnership. “As Memorial Hermann embarked upon opening the Cypress location, it was important for us to build relationships with community partners,” Rushing said. “We’re really committed to enhancing the health of our populations we serve, and what better way to start at an early age by encouraging kids to be active.”