Leaders train in PE4life approach, principals

Local News

Discussion

May 20, 2010

The Chronicle

Pella —

A specialized team of teachers and administrators from Pella recently attended a PE4life Introductory Workshop in Rogers, Arkansas and Grundy Center, Iowa. PE4life serves as a catalyst for change in the physical education world through the following Core Principles: Be directed to all students, not just the athletically inclined; offer a variety of fitness, sport, leisure and adventure activities; provide a safe and encouraging learning environment; utilize individual assessments; incorporate current technology; extend beyond the walls of the gymnasium; and ideally, be offered to every child every day.

The workshop was funded by a scholarship awarded through the U.S. Department of Education, sponsored by Senator Tom Harkin, making it possible for school districts like Pella Community Schools to attend a PE4life workshop. A diverse team of eleven was chosen to attend the two-day workshop where each experienced the following: How to integrate PE4life core principles; the modeling of best practices; “Real Time” observation (kids in action); and a 7-step action planning process. Upon returning home, the team was able to immediately integrate several principles in the classroom and the gymnasium.

The next steps for Pella Community Schools’ team are to seek out community support and begin making a difference in the health and wellness of the children in the district and surrounding community.

PE4life is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wellness through fun and interactive physical activity in school and community settings. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, PE4life is strong in advocacy with a step-by-step integration program in place, PE4life impacts 2 million children annually, throughout the United States and across the world. To learn more about PE4life, visit www.pe4life.org.