HOUGHTON -- Houghton sixth graders hit the trails at Michigan Tech Thursday morning to learn about cross-country skiing and healthy living.

It was the Language Arts class' turn to skip their studies for the first hour of school.

The students got fitted for boots and did their best to stay in the tracks.

The skiing lesson was a part of their "STAR Time," which is typically used to teach the kids about nutrition and staying active. 

STAR stands for students taking active responsibility.

“I thought some of the kids were going to be really nervous and kind of scared, but they've just been smiling and having a great time," said Adria Laplander, sixth grade Language Arts teacher.  "It’s so nice to see all of the kids getting along and working towards the same goal.”

Other "STAR Time" activities have included snowshoeing in the winter and hiking in the spring.