Schools Involved in 'Project Fit America'

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Meridian, Miss.
Posted: 7:16 PM Sep 18, 2008
Last Updated: 7:16 PM Sep 18, 2008

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Crestwood Elementary Thursday celebrated its role as a model school for 'Project Fit America'.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi issued grants for outdoor fitness equipment at Meridian's seven elementary schools. It's designed to target specific areas that children fail in fitness tests.

"The weight in the state of Mississippi, Mississippi being the heaviest state in the union, if we can start to exercise, having them to eat right, and put the whole package together, it makes a difference," said superintendent Charlie Kent. "So we don't have to fit into that mold or that category."

"We just need to be good role models for the students and we need to let them see us doing things, the parents and the teachers and all," said MPS wellness coordinator, Judy Crowson. "And we're doing some fitness things within the school district."

Crowson said the district is encouraging physical activity with a 1-mile run for the younger grades this year, and a 5-K for grades 6 through 12.

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Posted by: Teacher on Sep 21, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Miracle Worker, students need "outside time" to release some pent up energy so they can concentrate on school work. I have so many behavior problems because of lack of outside time. I know that if I give my students the outside time they need, I will get in trouble and my job will be in jeopardy. Having 10 minutes of walking around the school one time is not enough time. Plus, I have to squeeze in a bathroom break in that ten minute period. So, my class actually has about 2 minutes to do Walking Mississippi. It's not enough. Many school districts only have PE two days a week and then supplement with recess 30 minutes a day. Cut PE down to 30 minutes a day and put that additional twenty minutes toward the 10 minute time we already have and there you go, extra time for recess and still time for core studies!

Posted by: Miracle Worker Location: Meridian on Sep 20, 2008 at 11:34 AM
There is absolutely no way to please all the people all the time! Schools are mandated to include so many things in the school day, but instruction is the primary responsibility. Parents and the comunity must take on some responsibility for the other areas important for student development. The concerns should be focused on quality instuction provided by teachers and student achievement. Provide 30 minutes of PE at home on the days it isn't provided at school. Of course that may interfere with time for TV, My Space updates, etc. However, the school day could just be extended an additional 30 minutes daily,too. I'm sure teachers would just love that. Heck, just take full custody of students and everything can be accomplished.

Posted by: DACOPR Location: MERIDIAN on Sep 19, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Agreed. The teachers and principals gave up on 30 minutes a day of exercise so they could get their planning done. why do we need exercise equipment that wont get used? Mon, Wed and Fri these 3rd 4rth and 5th graders are in class from 8-3:30 with NO p.e. period. Only school district in MS like this

Posted by: Teacher on Sep 18, 2008 at 07:30 PM
What difference does it make if we have all of this equipment if there is not a structured time for recess? MPSD needs to put in 30 minutes of recess a day for all of our classes---PreK-6!!!!