Tag Archives: school fitness

New York Ramping Up Fitness for School Kids

School administrators in New York want to promote a “culture of fitness” among students, but the new program they have in place to do so is raising some eyebrows. Last year state lawmakers passed legislation (which went into effect this month) requiring public schools outside of New York City to collect and report a summary of students’ weights and body mass indexes (BMIs) as part of an effort to combat childhood obesity. According to the state health commissioner: “Whatever you can measure, you can improve and by requiring the measurement of body mass index, I think we’ll see some improvement.” … Continue reading →

Does School-Based Fitness Fade Over the Summer?

I’ve made my feelings known on the P.E. requirements at schools and how I think they need to be higher. I’ve also made it clear that it’s just as much a parent’s responsibility, if not more, than a school’s to see that their child’s fitness needs are met. Even if you can’t afford to send them to classes, there are a number of free offerings available over the summer from community centers and more – and taking your kids out for walks and bike rides doesn’t cost you much more than some time. So when studies find that school based … Continue reading →

School Fitness Programs

Very recently my nephew started 1st grade recently, his curriculum startled me. He goes Monday through Thursday, taking standard reading, writing, math, and history and because it’s a private school Latin and Bible Study. Friday is an elective day that he can take elective classes like art, Spanish or Physical Education. Elective classes. I can see Spanish for a kid in the 1st grade being an elective, but art and physical education? When did they become unnecessary classes that are only taught to students whose parents feel like signing them up? This isn’t the first time that I’ve noticed a … Continue reading →