by Sherrie Grogan, ACS PE Teacher
Even though there are now more types of fitness equipment, activities, and clubs available than ever before …
- 2 out of 3 Americans are considered obese.
- Childhood obesity in the age group of 6 – 11 year olds has increased 4-fold over the past 30 years.
- Obesity has now passed smoking as the leading preventable cause of death.
- The average American child between the ages of 6 and 18 spends an average of 5 to 8 hours a day in front of some type of screen.
In the past several years we have seen a change in the activity and fitness level of our students here at ACS. Each year we evaluate our students’ fitness levels by administering the Presidential Physical Fitness Test both in the fall and in the spring. This is a nationwide standard test that is used by schools all across the country. Looking back at test scores of previous classes from the last 10 years it is evident that there is a decrease in the level of fitness of our students.
As a result of the trend we are seeing, we have been putting more emphasis on fitness and a healthier lifestyle; consequently, our physical education classes include more fitness activities for each grade level.
At the elementary level, the focus is on encouraging the students to “play hard” while in PE classes and recess and to be active outside of school. In our PE classes, we emphasize games and activities that involve more continuous movement so the students get the greatest possible benefit out of class.
At the middle school level, we have been able to increase the amount of time we have for physical education, allowing us to dedicate two days a week to fitness activities. We have been blessed to have a workout room that has both aerobic and weight lifting equipment. This has been made possible through the donations of equipment from families and also because of great deals from Play it Again Sports in Appleton. Throughout the year the middle school students are taught how to properly use the equipment and to understand what a basic workout routine should include. The 7th and 8th grade students are given the opportunity to weight train in the morning before school and also throughout the year in PE classes. Our faculty and staff also have access to the workout room, and we encourage them to use it.
Personally, I am a big believer in the benefits of weight training. I have not only seen how it helps in the performance of sports and other physical activities but also how it helps performing everyday tasks. And, as we have seen in the letter Mrs. Wittman wrote about her son’s injuries, it also helps to speed up the recovery from various types of physical injuries or illnesses.
So, as we continue to increase the amount of fitness we incorporate into our school, we ask parents to encourage their child to be active and take advantage of these opportunities we are offering. If each student develops a more positive and healthier lifestyle now, it will be that much easier to remain healthy in the adult years and the benefits could be life changing.
