|
 |
Schools' fitness grant now 'up and running
|
|
|
 |
Roselawn Elementary School teacher Hilary Nichols reviews how genetics affects overall health Tuesday morning. Following discussion, the fifth-graders ran off their excess energy with noodle tag.
|
The Chetek School District begins the implementation of a new physical fitness program in November. This summer, the district was awarded a three-year $975,000 Physical Education Program grant to improve student health. Bob Rykal was hired to coordinate the effort.
|
Over the next three years, activities will be used to assist Chetek students in developing healthy habits.
Already several steps have been taken, including hiring a dietitian to evaluate the breakfast and hot lunch program.
Developing healthy eating habits is one component of the grant. While good eating habits begin in the home, the school is committed to being a responsible mentor and role model for both students and parents.
The physical education staff is also assessing the fitness of students, and parents and students will be able to utilize the services of the dietitian, volunteer medical staff, food service staff and physical education staff to develop personal health plans.
In the first week of November and on eight subsequent occasions, students will be asked to identify the amount of time they spend involved in moderate and vigorous activity.
The ultimate goal of the grant is to have 100 percent of students at or above their expected level of activity.
Research shows individuals are leading increasingly sedentary lives influenced by too much time in front of televisions and computers.
Evidence also supports that while individuals are leading sedentary lifestyles, their calorie intake exceeds the calories they burn.
Other components of the grant in the process of being implemented include:
* Revision of the physical education curriculum to include practices focused on health and fitness with more emphasis on increased vigorous activity and less emphasis on competition;
* Integrating the values and implications of living healthy and fit lives across the entire school curriculum;
* Increasing opportunities for students to be involved in physical activities;
* Purchasing both indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance student activity;
* Increase modified activities to accommodate students with disabilities;
* Increase opportunities for physical activity offerings in summer.
|
|
©The Chetek Alert 2010
|
|
|
