'National Showcase District' award comes for Action Based Learning

Action Based Learning programs at 38 schools have earned San Diego Unified a National Showcase Award from the technique's founder Jean Blaydes Madigan.

A program that uses brain-based, brain-compatible strategies to teach academics kinesthetically by using purposeful movement, Action Based Learning Labs have been implemented in 38 schools, spanning preschool through high school.

The labs are a developmentally based series of motor and fitness activities that fill in developmental gaps to prepare the brain for learning, according to Carrie Rea, Program Manager, Related and Specialized Services, Special Education Division.

"Action Based Learning in the district is a collaborative effort between physical education, adapted physical education, occupational and physical therapy, classroom teachers and administrators," she said, "to support all students in multiple learning modalities."

For more information, contact Rea at crea@sandi.net.

UC San Diego athletes IMPACT Edison Elementary

UC San Diego Pediatrics and San Diego Unified's Physical Education, Health and Athletics are combining forces to IMPACT student health and well-being at Edison Elementary School in City Heights.

The IMPACT program -- Increasing Movement and Physical Activity in Class Time -- helps involve kindergarten and first-grade students in 20 minute workouts, twice a week. UC San Diego athletes visit the school during one of the weekly sessions, helping the kids during the 20 minute workouts through five physical-activity stations.

"It is great for our students to interact with the wonderful athletes from UC San Diego," said Derek Murchison, Principal of Edison Elementary. "I can't really say who has more fun, our kids or the UC San Diego kids, but it it is a fantastic experience for all."

The program is part of the curriculum available from San Diego Unified's Department of Physical Education, Health and Athletics. It was developed by the district's Lynn Barnes-Wallace at Hage Elementary in Mira Mesa.

"IMPACT works because it is easy to implement, inexpensive, the resources are available online and all students are engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity throughout each 20-minute session," said Kaitlin Mohr, a UC San Diego Pediatrics intern in the School Wellness Program, Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch, who works with the Edison students.

For more information on the program, contact Murchison at dmurchison@sandi.net .

Marines rewarded for Sandburg Elementary workout

Sandburg Elementary has a partnership with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 from MCAS Miramar.
Each Friday Marines from MCAS Miramar come to work out with Sandburg’s fifth grade students and provide mentorship to selected students across all grade levels.
As a reward, the Sandburg community, on Nov. 22, provided a Thanksgiving dinner for the Marines that volunteer.

Chargers Champions grants go to four San Diego Unified schools

Clairemont High, Muir K-12, Wangenheim Middle and Nye Elementary schools have received grants from the Chargers Champions School Grant Program.

Chargers Champions makes a strong commitment to San Diego County schools by providing grants for much-needed physical fitness, nutrition and athletic programs. Selected high schools are eligible to receive grants of up to $75,000; middle schools up to $40,000; and elementary schools up to $30,000.

“Schools throughout California need our support,” Chargers President Dean Spanos said. “The main goal of our program is to provide students in San Diego with the necessary means to living a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness.”

Clairemont High School received $75,000 for a new weight room and sand volleyball court. John Muir K-12 School received $45,000 for fencing equipment and an archery center. Wangenheim Middle School was granted $40,000 for an indoor fitness center. Nye Elementary School received $30,000 for its Peaceful Playground Program.

"We have great schools and hardworking administrators that look for every opportunity to improve academics, facilities and activities for students," said Bruce Ward, San Diego Unified's Director of Athletics.

Chargers Champions consistently provides more support for schools than any other private company in the county. In 13 years, 95 schools have received funding for projects ranging from outdoor fitness trails, weight rooms, running tracks or fitness equipment.

Funds allocated to Chargers Champions are administered through the Chargers Community Foundation, the San Diego Chargers’ charitable foundation. The Foundation was established in 1995 by Dean and Alex Spanos to “help” San Diego build on its strengths by supporting individuals, activities and organizations that work to make the city a better place to live.

Over the years, many schools have received grants through the Chargers Champions program. In 2012, Mission Bay High, and Ross Elementary received grants.

For more information, see the Chargers Champions website.

California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance honors district staff, programs

The team from Pacific Beach Middle School.

The San Diego branch of the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recently recognized outstanding health, physical education, recreation and dance teachers and programs in the county at its annual awards banquet at Paradise Point Resort.

Several district staff and programs were honored, including:

Shanna Jennings, Silver Gate Elementary - Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Pacific Beach Middle School - Secondary Physical Education Program of the Year
Cesar Santos, Mann Middle School - Outstanding New Physical Education Professional
Brenna Baringer, Department of Physical Education, Health and Athletics - Outstanding Service to the Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (HPERD) Profession
Mary Lou Baranowski, Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary - American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAPHERD) Southwest District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Baranowski was also one of six finalists for the National Association for Sport and Physical Education Teacher of the Year award.

In addition, those in attendance celebrated the retirement of Adapted Physical Education teacher Harry Smith, who has dedicated more than 25 years to education.

The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance is dedicated to promoting healthful lifestyles through quality education and programs. To nominate a local exemplary HPERD teacher or program in 2013-14, visit www.sdcoe.net/lret/hpe or contact Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net.

For more information on the district’s Health and Physical Education programs, contact Brenna Baringer at bbaringer@sandi.net.

Gage Elementary students run into record books

IN THE NEWS: 30,000 miles is most for school where individuals run as much as 300 miles in year. Watch story from Fox 5 San Diego»

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Green Elementary students run their way to $33k

Green Elementary School's students have run their way to $33,481.11 in donations from the school's supporters during the PTA's annual Jog-A-Thon.

"This is a fantastic amount of support from the PTA and our school community," said Principal Bruce Ferguson. "And we have to congratulate the kids and our staff, who did the running."

Green, an academic and athletic themed school in the San Carlos neighborhood, receives support from the PTA for the school's art and music program, as well as hosting events during the year. The Jog-A-Thon is one of the signature events during the school year and was held in April. The traditional Jog-A-Thon fundraiser collects pledges for how far students run.

"It was a voluntary event where all fundraising was done after school and the running was coordinated with Green’s physical education department to be part of their curriculum," said Ferguson. "This year, in addition to every student participating, teachers, local fireman, and parents also joined in."

For more information, check out the school's website or contact Principal Ferguson at bferguson@sandi.net.

Old pro, community build school athletic facility

IN THE NEWS: For his 89th birthday, local tennis hero Ben Press on Friday offered a gift to San Diego by helping to dedicate a new athletic facility at Roosevelt Middle School that he hopes will encourage more children to pursue the sport that’s been so good to him. Read more from UT San Diego»

New physical education game multiplies with math

Mary Lou Baranowski, a physical education teacher at Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary, recently challenged her students to a new game called Kinect-4.

"When a teacher brings to the classroom other disciplines of study, students benefit," said Coach Mary Lou. "The game of Kinect-4 incorporates math and problem-solving skills into a vigorous physical education activity."

Baranowski, named this year's Southwest District Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, was intrigued by the game that was strikingly similar to the popular Connect 4, but with physical activity included. In Connect 4, players attempt to fill four consecutive slots with their markers.

In "Kinect-4," the object is for players to still connect four of their game pieces, but now it's a large board, laying flat on the ground. Before they can place their markers, students solve various problems and work on a variety of sports and fitness related skills.

"The object of the game is to create a sequence of 4 co-linear squares," she said. "The squares may be placed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, but they must be in a straight, continuous line. The game of Kinect-4 features a multitude of complexity levels, making it adaptable to a wide-range of grade and ability levels."

For more information about Kinect-4, contact Baranowski at mbaranowski@sandi.net

Green Elementary surprises Patrick Henry students with a flashmob during lunch

Green Elementary Academics and Athletics Magnet School walked over to Patrick Henry and surprised the student body with wonderful dance and music during lunch. The Patrick Henry principal was in on the secret and introduced the students and Green Elementary PE teachers.

The PE curriculum at Green Elementary includes various forms of dance including Ballroom dance with all the manners and cordial academics associated with it. In addition students learn cultural dances in preparation of the Junior Olympics celebration Green has in late spring. The PE Department and Green Elementary School have received numerous awards for their athletic program in addition to their high ranking academic scores.

Some of these are: Best Physical Education Program in State of California Association For Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance; Exemplary Elementary Physical Education Site, San Diego County Office of Education; Spotlight on Success School, Presentation to San Diego Unified School Board; Let's Move Campaign Presenters at Petco Park and San Diego Convention Center for American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance.

For more information on Green Elementary Academics and Athletics School, please contact Principal Bruce Ferguson at bferguson@sandi.net, or visit its website.

Run Club Brings Early Risers to La Jolla Elementary

How do you get 75 percent of your elementary school to arrive 20 minutes early in order to run laps before class? Start a Run Club!

La Jolla Elementary opens its gates each morning to a horde of eager runners. Students, parents and teachers head purposefully up to the field, pick up their scan cards and begin running or walking laps. After each lap they slow down to have their cards scanned by parent volunteers using the new Student Lap Tracker System. It automatically tracks each runner’s daily and cumulative laps, and it has contributed to the popularity boom of the Run Club at the public school this year.

"This automated Run Club system is really motivating our students to get more exercise every day, which helps their overall health and their ability to concentrate in class," said Principal Donna Tripi. "We also have noticed fewer tardies in the morning. We have nearly 100 percent participation, with more than 500 runners in grades 1-5."

"I always want to be at school in time for Run Club," said 4th grader Lauren Nitahara, who is proud to report to her family each evening the number of laps she ran that morning.Parent volunteers, too, are gratified.

"Volunteering for the Run Club scanning is really rewarding. I truly enjoy getting to know students from all grades, and the Lap Tracker is also a conversation piece at dinner," said Bjorn Backlund, parent volunteer.

"Approximately 75 percent of our student population runs each day. It's a great way for the students to start their day. I thank our excellent PE Teacher, Kelly Wiskus, and our parent volunteers for making it happen," said Tripi.

Coach Wiskus has been working toward this degree of success since she started Run Club three years ago. At the end of each year, she holds an awards ceremony to honor the runners and their miles.
"It is so great to see the students and parents out there every morning exercising and building healthy habits that will last a lifetime!"
 For more information on the program, contact Tripi at dtripi@sandi.net.

Lindbergh/Schweitzer Run Again Honors Chelsea King

Olympian Steve Scott, left, and overall winner Hazel Groff.

Elementary school students from 15 schools around the county joined with Lindbergh/Schweitzer Elementary School students and staff recently for the third annual Chelsea King Invitational Mile.

More than 170 students participated in the event, which attracted qualifying students from around the county. Superintendent Bill Kowba was on hand for the May 31 event, which honors the memory of King, a local high school student and avid runner who was murdered in 2010.

The event raises funds for the Chelsea's Light Foundation. It is organized by Lindbergh/Schweitzer staff members Mary Lou Baranowski, Roger Drews, Julie Harris and others at the Clairemont campus.
Students compete by grade level. For more information, see the event's website.

De Portola Middle School 'Walk and Roll' Celebrates Friends, Fitness

De Portola Middle School in Tierrasanta had a great day of celebrating fitness, fundraising, and acceptance of friends from all walks of life through the second annual "Walk and Roll" event sponsored by the Circle of Friends club.

"We had over 160 students join together in a parade around the outdoor stage," said Principal Elizabeth Gillingham, "walking with friends while holding signs pledging to be friends with others."

Students were sponsored by family and friends for each lap walked or rolled (some in wheel chairs) raising money for their club and working on their overall fitness with friends. The event was held May 8.

"We had students holding signs to promote kindness and acceptance," said Diana Aquilizan, a moderate-severe education specialist. "We also encouraged them to dress alike, walk a like or do some other creative collaborations."

For more information, contact Principal Gillingham at (858) 496-8080.

Holmes Elementary Students Raise $26,000 on the Run

For the sixth straight year, Holmes Elementary students relied on their strength and endurance to raise more than $26,000 for their school. The sixth annual Holmes H.E.R.O. (Holmes Educational Run Off) Jog-a-Thon, sponsored by the school’s PTA, was held last month. More than 300 volunteers, parents and community members cheered the 530 students as they rounded the track to raise money for completed laps. The money raised will help fund the school’s VAPA program, which includes a choral music teacher and Arts Attack supplies; ongoing technology needs; and the Mileage Club.
What's next for the Clairemont neighborhood school? Celebrating its 50^th birthday on Saturday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the annual Spring Fling. Festivities include a silent auction, cake decorating contest and activities for the entire family. For more information, visit www.sandi.net/holmes or contact Principal Jonathan Saipe at jsaipe@sandi.net

Challenger, dePortola Students Take Fitness Tips from Marines

Fitness instructors from MCAS Miramar have made recent visits to middle schools to help students stay in shape.
The Marines worked out students at de Portola Middle School in Tierrasanta and Challenger Middle School in Mira Mesa. Exercises included pushups, tug of war and relay races, instructed by the Marines as they would new recruits.

• Watch video of students at de Portola»
• Watch slideshow of Challenger Middle School students»

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Chargers Donation Helps Fund Fitness Study at 27 Schools

The San Diego Chargers have selected 27 elementary, middle and high schools to participate in a three-year study to help promote physical activity and combat the obesity epidemic that is plaguing our youth.

The Cooper Institute, a non-profit organization, and NFL Charities, the charitable foundation of the National Football League, have partnered together to add the Fitnessgram® assessment tool to the NFL PLAY 60 movement, as part of a $1.8 million grant from the NFL.

Fitnessgram measures overall health through six tests designed to track aerobic capacity, body composition, muscular endurance, strength and flexibility. Thanks to the Chargers, participating physical education teachers at the 27 schools receive a web-based Fitnessgram 9 site license, a free Fitnessgram test administration kit, and one-on-one technical support from The Cooper Institute.

The software allows physical education teachers to provide instant results, based on age and gender, in an individualized report to help educate parents and students and encourage healthy behaviors. Each site license is valued at $1,620 per school, which results in more than $43,740 in savings to the district. The ongoing technical support from The Cooper Institute is priceless.

Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with partner organizations. The program challenges youth to become physically active for at least 60 minutes each day. Teachers will collect data from student fitness assessments to form a youth longitudinal study tracking health-related fitness results and analyze how best to intervene. The resulting data will be provided to local, state, and national policy makers.

This is not the first time the Chargers have supported youth fitness in San Diego. They have contributed to a variety of fitness initiatives, including the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, recently popularized by television commercials.

The schools are: Hage and Lindbergh-Schweitzer elementary; Audubon, Bethune, Fulton, Golden Hill and Grant K-8s; Bell, Clark, Correia, Creative Performing Media Arts, Innovation, Knox, Lewis, Marshall, Marston, Memorial Prep for Scholars and Athletes, Millennial Tech, Montgomery, Muirlands, Pacific Beach, Pershing, Roosevelt, Standley and Taft middle schools; Scripps Ranch High School and John Muir K-12.

For more information, contact Bruce Ward, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, at 619-725-7126.

Lindbergh-Schweitzer Gets Presidential Fitness Salute

The presidential letter.

Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School in Clairemont has been named a Demonstration Center for The President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program by the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

The school's physical education programs and fitness lab were cited as excellent examples of a school program. Equipped with state-of-the-art spin cycles and weight equipment, the fitness lab was outfitted in part from funds donated by the San Diego Chargers.

Lindbergh Schweitzer
fitness room in action.

The fitness center is used before school by the school's track team. Students and staff also use the facility to improve all areas of health-related fitness. Lindbergh Schweitzer is the district's service learning magnet school.

National Demonstration Center schools place extra emphasis of activity and fitness by holding designated fitness assessments, designing programs to help students increase their daily physical activity, monitoring and motivating student progress, and promoting a physical education program internally and externally. They are also available for visits so interested teachers, administrators, and parents nation-wide can observe their programs.

For more information, contact Marylou Baranowski at mbaranowski@sandi.net.

Roosevelt IB Middle School Breaks Ground for New Grass Park, Tennis Court Renovation

During winter break the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council held a groundbreaking ceremony for a renovated four-court community tennis complex at Roosevelt IB Middle School. In addition to the tennis court upgrades, the project includes improvement of the existing sand surface field to a multi-purpose grass park. Both developments will provide an enhanced experience for the student body as well as the community. 

 

The existing four asphalt-surfaced tennis courts that are on the west side of the school will be resurfaced to a state-of-the-art conventional two-toned hard court surface and the potentially dangerous metal nets will be replaced with conventional tennis nets. The courts will also be lined for USTA “10 and under tennis” to enhance the enjoyment and development of younger children.  The tennis courts are being renovated and resurfaced. This project was jointly financed by a combination of foundations, private donors, and a grant from the San Diego District Tennis Association. 

 

Dr. Arturo Cabello, principal of Roosevelt stated, “It’s an honor to be a part of this collaborative effort to support academics and athleticisms.  We encourage our students to find a sport they like and become good at it so they might compete for academic and athletic scholarships to college one day.”

 

The president of the Greater San Diego City Tennis Council, Ben Press, commented, “As an alumnus of Roosevelt Middle School, I remember playing on two white cement tennis courts.  Now four tennis courts will be renovated for the enjoyment of students and community members for many years to come.”
 
Former NBA superstar, television sportscaster, and a neighborhood member, Bill Walton showed his support by attending the ground breaking event.  “I am proud, privileged, honored, humbled and most fortunate to be directly involved in this wonderful project," said Walton. "We owe our children the best, and this is a huge step in the right direction."

 

The Greater San Diego City Tennis Council is a 501-C3 charitable organization whose mission is to repair and resurface public tennis courts within San Diego County.

 

For more information, contact Principal Cabello at (619) 293-4450 or acabello@sandi.net 

Challenger Middle School Recognized with $1,000 Check

Challenger Middle School was recently named a Front Runner Award Winner in the 2011 Governor’s Challenge Competition. They were one of 30 schools across the state to receive a $1,000 check by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for leading the way in engaging students in physical activity.




The Governor’s Challenge Competition is a statewide fitness contest for K-12 schools. The competition promotes more physical activity and better health among California’s youth. For more information, visit the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports website.

“Dancing with the Students” Teaches Grace and Manners

Students at Green Elementary Academics and Athletics Magnet School are discovering that there are more ways to get exercise than running and doing sit-ups. In Ms. Patterson’s Physical Education class (photo), students are receiving lessons in cotillion-style ballroom dance and etiquette.

Students are learning manners, respectful attitudes towards each other and how to approach each other politely to “ask for the dance” as they gracefully dip, spin and turn with style in the school’s Multiple Purpose Room (MPR).

The MPR also hosts a gymnastics and tumbling program, which uses professional gymnastics equipment that teaches balance, flexibility, focus and body strength. Want to learn more? The school is hosting tours on Mondays at 7:45 a.m. through Feb. 14. No need to sign up, just come as you are.

For more information, contact Principal Bruce Ferguson at (619) 460-5755.

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