By

Ernest (Tom) Castillo,   Rosemeade El

Play:

The Power Behind the Play

Topics:

Community Involvement, Physical Activity Participation, Student Leadership,  Teamwork

Physical Education is valued at Rosemeade Elementary School. The Rosemeade Fuel Up to Play 60 Fun Run is a culmination of community involvement, student leadership, physical activity participation and teamwork. First, we involved the community to help with banners, timing, individual numbers, snacks, and to set up the course. Next, our 5th graders are the student leaders of our school. Each 5th grade class is paired up with Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade and will be their pacers and escorts for the run. Third, what a great time it is to have the whole school involved in a physical activity where fun and laughter are priority one! Last, we stress the hard work and sacrifice from the students, teachers, parents, and community members -- working as a team is why our run is so successful. We now have two FUTP 60 Fun Runs at our campus. One run is in the Fall Semester, and the other one is in the Spring semester.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Physical activity has become very important at Rosemeade. It helps focus students during academic classes. Our school can see the results by our test scores. Students see positive physical results from their increased activity level & see muscles where they could not before. This in turn gives students the greatest gift of all, higher self-esteem. This new-found confidence is a catapult to becoming successful in any endeavor they choose. Physical activity has truly been a gift for our school.