The fitness side of the equation was not ignored on this panel, either. Tim Bult of the Fallsburg Central School district, which has two buildings and 1,600 students, is director of health and athletics and chair of the wellness committee. He said the district received a $1.2-million federal Physical Education Program grant for a fitness center with $130,000 worth of fitness equipment that included free weights and machines, plus fitness training, climbing walls and a new sound system.
“If you put music on, these kids will do just about anything for you,” he said.
As part of the deal, Bult said, the federal government asks for frequent updates and testing. He said it took the district three years to get the grant. “If at first you don’t get it, keep trying,” he encouraged the audience.
State regulations require 120 minutes per week of physical education for kindergarten through grade six, but the state health department reports that most districts aren’t complying and haven’t submitted the required plan to the state education department. Phys ed is about more than burning off school lunches, It’s also touted to lead to better school attendance, a more positive attitude in school, stronger academic achievement, increased concentration, improved test scores, less disruptive behavior and stronger self-worth, along with better confidence, assertiveness, independence and self-control.
The upshot of the conference was that change is possible but requires effort. It needs committed people from among the school staff and administration, the parents and the community. And it needs plans and goals.
“It needs to start with a strong policy,” said Christine Downs of Healthy Schools New York/Ulster County BOCES.
For information on the above programs see actionforhealthykids.org, fueluptoplay60.com, choosemyplate.gov, wheresmyPE.org, healthyorange.com and www.healthykingston.org. To reach Hudson Valley Farm-to-School, see hvfs.org, email [email protected] or call (845) 265-2004.
