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Physical education is key to longer, happier lives. Our kids and schools need more of it.

Originally published Dec. 12, 2018 in USA Today.

By William E. Simon Jr., Opinion Contributor

Spot quiz: What is the only subject in school that engages a child’s mind, body, and spirit, promotes their physical and emotional health, helps them to learn better and cultivates the character they need to become productive adults? And what subject is consistently underfunded, understaffed and underscheduled?

If you answered physical education to both questions, you get an A grade. Read More

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Sacred Heart Schools implement new physical education program

Originally published Nov. 2, 2018 in the Sedalia Democrat

By Hope Lecchi

It’s a concern of many: the health and physical well-being of the generation of school-aged children. With so many children finding reasons not to focus on their health, many schools are trying to turn the focus back on getting children to become more active.

Sacred Heart is among those schools. This year the school has reevaluated its physical education classes in an effort to improve the health and conditioning of its students. Read More

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Benefits Of Quality Physical Education

Originally published Oct. 31, 2018 in the Fiji Sun.

Physical Education (as a school subject) is a critical component of wellness considering the roles it plays in developing positive behavioral attitudes in children.

With the right education, health and physical activity focus a physical education class can produce wonders for our children. The rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Fiji recently elevated Fiji to the number one position in the world in NCD related deaths. Read More

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Junior high students getting full realm of P.E. activities

Originally published on Oct. 27, 2018 in the Pontiac Daily Leader.

By Luke Smucker

The steady rain, overcast sky and cold weather couldn’t stop the excitement of students at Pontiac Junior High School on Friday. The gymnasium was bursting with activity as students jumped, slammed, crawled and tossed their way through an obstacle course that would make a cross-fit instructor jealous.

The obstacle course activity is part of a new physical education curriculum created by new instructor Colleen Kelly and Chris Hoepfner. The teaching duo has dubbed itself “the dream team.” Read More

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Dynamic PE Course at Pomperaug High School Honored

Originally published Oct. 5, 2018 in the Southbury Patch.

The course was developed with the intention of assisting students who are struggling in school through physical activity.

The Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CTAHPERD) has awarded the “Dynamic Physical Education” course at Pomperaug High School (PHS) as an outstanding program.

Danielle McCauley, a Physical Education teacher at PHS, wrote the curriculum and syllabus for the dynamic PE course. The course was developed with the intention of assisting students who are struggling in school through physical activity, with a conscious effort toward developing a growth mindset and sense of mindfulness to improve calmness and focus through yoga and meditation. Read More