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Running club offers health, educational benefits

Originally published Jan. 18, 2019 in the Whidbey News-Times.

By Laura Guido

P.E.teacher Holly Troyer is helping kids get a running start to their day.

Three days a week, Troyer watches and encourages her group of “Marathon Kids” as they do laps outside Oak Harbor Elementary School.

An avid runner herself, Troyer brought the running club program to the school at the beginning of 2019. Marathon Kids is a nonprofit group that creates programs aimed at getting children moving with goals and incentives. Read More

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Illinois District OKs $300K in new exercise equipment for three high schools

Originally published March 22, 2019 in the Chicago Tribune.

By Gregory Tejada

Community High School District 218 officials approved the purchase of just over $300,000 worth of new exercise equipment for physical education programs.

The School Board voted 6-0, with board member Robert Stokas absent, to make the purchase from Direct Fitness Solution, a Mundelein-based company that is part of a national purchasing alliance with Sourcewell. Read More

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Recreation and health in schools

Originally published April 2, 2019 in the Beatrice Daily Sun.

By Monica Brich

For years, public schools have taught students skills to improve their physical, mental and emotional health. But as new information and technology has come out, the way health is taught is constantly changing.

Jordan Johnson, a physical education teacher at Paddock Lane Elementary, said he focuses on teaching and applying skills. Read More

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Moline-Coal Valley: $14M phys ed facility moves forward

Originally published April 8, 2019 in the Rock Island Dispatch Argus.

By Nicole Lauer

Moline-Coal Valley School Board members on Monday approved a plan for a $14 million multi-purpose physical education facility at Moline High School.

Board members voted unanimously to accept the plan offered by administrators with an expected eight-year bond repayment period. Chief financial officer Dave McDermott said key components of the new facility would be a six-lane track, four multi-use courts, updated locker rooms and a new weight room. The $14 million price tag includes the cost of new weight room equipment. Read More

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Elite Fitness Day

Originally published April 7, 2019 in the Citizen Tribune.

Hamblen County Coordinated School Health and the Physical Education Department selected the top 30 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students at each elementary school in Hamblen County to participate in the Elite Fitness Day held Wednesday at Burke-Toney Stadium.

Elite Fitness Day is for students at each elementary school that show exemplary performance on physical fitness tests. The students are measured by their physical education teachers in flexibility, upper body strength, speed and agility, and heart and lung endurance. Read More