WCPSS expands PE fitness programs for 2005-06

August 19, 2005 - Fitness habits established in school can affect children's health for the rest of their lives. A number of steps will be taken by the Wake County Public School System this year to encourage students to stay active.

PE teachers try out the balls and mats that are part of Hopsports.

Artie Kamiya, WCPSS Health and Physical Education Senior Administrator brought WCPSS health and physical education teachers together at the Sanderson High gym today where he talked about the expansion of Wellness, Academics & You (WAY), the addition of fitness centers at two more high schools and a novel multi-media fitness program that will be added at some schools this fall.

This year the Wellness, Academic & You (WAY) program will expand to eight additional elementary schools. WAY is a research-based obesity prevention program that has a focus on nutrition, wellness, and physical activity. Representatives from the National WAY Office led a special training for teachers at Sanderson.

Kamiya said fitness centers will open at Broughton and East Wake high schools this year. In physical education classes students use the fitness centers to develop personal exercise training habits. The fitness centers will be established under a federal grant that established fitness centers at Enloe, Garner and Millbrook high schools last year.

Kamiya also unveiled Hopsports, a novel multi-media fitness program that will be implemented at 20 middle and high schools this year. Teachers got a chance to try out Hopsports' "Training at the Speed of Sound." The program that will be used to motivate, teach, and inspire teens to become more physically active in a fun and enjoyable manner.

Kamiya praised teachers and schools for implementing new programs that focus on individual fitness. He honored the 2005 Wake County Public Schools Health and Physical Education Teachers of the Year. They include:

· Tonya Wicker (Vance Elementary School): Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
· Sarae Thornton (East Millbrook Middle): Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
· Jane House (Garner High School): High School PE Teacher of the Year
· Amy Tew (Cary High School): High School Health Education Teacher of the Year
· Wakefield Middle School: Healthful Living Program of the Year


Jane House, Amy Tew, Sarae Thornton and Tonya Wicker were congratulated as Teachers of the Year by Health and PE Administrator Artie Kamiya.
The Health and PE teachers at Wakefield Middle earned their school honors as Healthful Living Program of the Year.

Kamiya said physical education teachers provide a range of activities and instruction that emphasize fitness for life. He says teachers encourage motor skill activities to run, jump and throw that will prepare children for tennis, swimming or after school sports activities.

Kamiya said families can build on the fitness habits schools introduce to children. He said parents can have a big impact on their children by controlling their amount of television viewing. He recommended limiting television and encouraging active play.

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