By

Luke van Schie,   Secrist Middle School

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Physical Activity Participation

Our SWAT team saw a need to have more physical activities offered at lunchtime. Previously, there was a small courtyard that students could play in, however only a handful of students played. The SWAT team suggested offering play equipment to students at lunch and asking a teacher to supervise the basketball courts. This was quickly started and we saw a dramatic increase in the number of students being active at lunch time. Students were playing basketball and soccer on the courts on a daily basis, during all three lunches (6th grade, 7th grade & 8th grade lunch). Way to go SWAT Team, so many students have enjoyed this at our school and are healthier because of it!

What improvements have you seen at your school?

We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of students being active at lunch time. Since we have introduced basketballs and soccer balls at lunch we have seen many students who were previously just sitting around, being active and enjoying playing soccer and basketball. We have also seen a decrease in the number of fights/problems during lunch time as students are engaged in activities that improve their health.

How did students and adults work together as a team?

The adults in the SWAT Team saw themselves as facilitators and allowed the students to generate the ideas and develop the plans. Students came up with so many great ideas and found that there were too many to implement this year. Realizing that we have to develop these plans over the next year, we saw the students and adults develop working relationships that promote a pride in their school and an investment in the future.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

We plan to make this play last continuously by having a rotation of teachers who help out with court supervision. The SWAT Team also would like to have supervision of the courts before school so that students can be active before the school day starts. The SWAT team will ask teachers to assist with this and I as the advisor will also ask our administration for permission to do this in the upcoming school year.