Since the late 1980s, Island School’s Physical Education program has focused on raising student awareness of lifelong health and wellness. By participation in the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness program each year, students strive to achieve challenging levels of strength, endurance,
Since the late 1980s, Island School’s Physical Education program has focused on raising student awareness of lifelong health and wellness.
By participation in the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness program each year, students strive to achieve challenging levels of strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, and agility.
The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recently recognized Island School as a Physical Fitness State Champion for the 2006-2007 school year. This honor reflects the commitment of the Island School Physical Education Department and student body to maintaining a high level of personal fitness.
Emeline Wu, an eighth grade student at Island School has been participating in the President’s Challenge since second grade. “I only made National for the first three years,” she said, referring to the first level of awards, “but I knew I could make Presidential if I just tried a little harder.”
Elementary and middle school PE instructor, Jackie Mierta, implements this program exactly because of students like Emeline. “There is evidence over the years that students who practice, achieve their goals,” she said. “Some students are naturally inclined toward fitness, others are motivated by the challenge and work out at home so they can move up a level.”
According to a press release fom the President’s Challenge, their program has been available to the nation’s schools since 1966, and offers presidential recognition and emblems for physical activity and fitness participation to young people, ages 6 to 17, of all abilities. The program’s motto says it all: “Everybody is a winner in activity and fitness.”
The PCPFS State Champion award is presented annually to three schools in each state with the highest number of students scoring at or above the 85th percentile on the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test. Schools are selected based on total enrollment .
Schools designated as a “PCPFS State Champion” receive a distinctive award certificate as well as statewide and national recognition for their physical fitness achievement. Students who help their school earn this designation by scoring at or above the 85th percentile in all five components of the President’s Challenge receive an embroidered State Champion emblem and a certificate.
Physical fitness is a primary focus of elementary and middle school physical education at Island School. In addition to this President’s Challenge program, Mierta organizes the Jump Rope and Hoops for Hearts fundraisers for the American Heart Association as well as the school’s annual jogathon.
“As children participate in these events, their strength and endurance increase. This leads to confidence, better health, and a desire for lifelong fitness,” she said.
Emeline Wu agrees. This year she is on her way toward earning her fourth Presidential award. “Making Presidential makes me feel like I’ve really achieved something,” she said. “It’s important to stay healthy.”
