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Ottawa Hills schools receives donation to build fitness center

Originally published Oct. 5, 2018 by The Toledo Blade.

By Javonte Anderson

Ottawa Hills is getting a $500,000 donation from two alumni, the largest gift the district’s foundation has ever received.

Pete and Amy Kadens, entrepreneurs and philanthropists living in Chicago, donated the funds to the district to help construct a new fitness center at Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School and establish a fund that will be used to host prominent authors, scholars, and speakers. Read More

physical activity
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New U.S. Report Card Reveals Near-Failing Grade for Physical Activity in Children, Youth

Originally published Oct. 2, 2018 in the American College of Sports Medicine.

The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA) today released its 2018 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. This is the third comprehensive assessment of physical activity in U.S. children and youth, updating the first report card released in 2014 and the second released in 2016. While the overall physical activity grade for children and youth remained low at D-, the 2018 report card revealed positive signs, especially related to opportunities and infrastructure that supports physical activity in children and youth. The Report Card includes grades for nine specific indicators, individual state data, and recommendations for how grades can be improved.

The report card is an advocacy tool that provides accountability and a call-to-action for decision-makers regarding how parents, teachers, health professionals, community leaders, and policymakers can implement new initiatives, programs and policies to improve the physical activity levels and health of children and youth. Read More

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Christa McAuliffe PE teacher honored for helping students establish healthy habits

Originally published Sept. 20, 2018 in the Sun-Sentinel.com.

By Alex Kushel

Kristen Frazer has made an impact on her students at Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Boynton Beach. The Physical Education Department chairwoman has emphasized participation, teamwork and assisted in implementing classes for students to immerse themselves into several activities within the curriculum.

Frazer’s dedication and commitment to her work was rewarded as she recently was named the 2018 Florida Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Read More

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Wasilla High School physical education teacher honored by Wasilla Sunrise Rotary

Originally published Sept. 19, 2018 in the Frontiersman.

By Jacob Mann

Susan Allen has only taught at Wasilla High School. That’s where she plans to end her tenure, perhaps in six years but she’s isn’t sure yet. On Monday, the Wasilla Sunrise Rotary presented Allen with their annual Rotary Teacher of the Year Award for her countless hours invested in the classroom and on the field.

“It’s just remarkable what she’s done for this school over the years,” Susitna Sunrise Rotary Past President Dan Kennedy said. “It’s wonderful.” Read More

Morning Mile
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The Morning Mile Gets Kids Running Before School—and Loving It

Originally published Sept. 13, 2018 in Runners World.

Since 2010, the run/walk program has spread to hundreds of schools in nearly two dozen states.

By Jacob Meschke

Ashley Hamilton of Gainesville, Florida is only in sixth grade, but she already has a national championship to her name. In July, Hamilton won the girls 11-year-old 3,000 meters at the AAU Club National Championships in Orlando, and placed in two other events.

Now a serious runner with the Gainesville Striders track club, Hamilton got her start in running through the Morning Mile program at her elementary school. Read More