The Sunnyvale Sun

Cover Story

Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

High five: Physical education instructor Cameron Oates demonstrates a game of tag to her fourth-grade students with the help of Brennan Robinson (right) and Justin Miller.

Healthy Kids

Physical education classes back in schools

By Erin Hussey

Before taking the field for a four-on-four soccer game, a group of fourth-grade boys from Cherry Chase School in Sunnyvale stoked their competitive fire by letting out a loud cheer: "Two, four, six, eight. Who do we appreciate? Our team! Our team! Yea!"

The game wasn't on any soccer league schedule. It was held during the students' physical education class and was made possible, in part, through a $500 million state budget allocation designed to raise the level of physical fitness among California's school-age children.

Because of the new funding, the Sunnyvale Elementary School District has been able to reintroduce structured P.E. classes for fourth and fifth grades at all eight of its elementary schools.

"My main goal as a teacher is fitness mixed in with skill development," said Cameron Oates, a P.E. teacher.

Oates and Drew Coleman are the two certified physical education teachers hired by the district this year. They are in charge of not only teaching the students how to dribble a basketball, but, more importantly, how to increase the children's overall fitness levels and improve their scores on the state's required "Fitnessgram" test. The test is administered every March to all fifth-, seventh- and ninth-graders in California.

"In reviewing the results of the fitness testing, we realized much more could and should be done to promote good health," said Shelly James, the district's director of human resources.

Only 44.2 percent of the district's fifth- graders passed the Fitnessgram's standards last year. The students are tested in six categories: aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal, upper body and trunk extension strength, and flexibility.

"I think that bringing the fourth- and fifth-grade physical education program in this year will support us in getting a higher target range," Oates said.

To receive a passing mark, students must fall within a "Healthy Fitness Zone" in five of the six categories. Oates said she has already seen a noticeably positive change in her students.

"It's amazing. I have seen so much growth in their bodies, they have just trimmed up,'' she said. "Even the biggest kids. When I ask if their pants are fitting better, they say 'Yes.' "

Both fourth- and fifth-grade students are required by the district to participate in 220 minutes of physical activity every two weeks. But, with the new program holding P.E. for 40 minutes three times a week, the students are participating in 240 minutes every two weeks. And, with only two certified P.E. teachers, the students aren't the only ones running around.

Coleman heads the P.E. programs at Bishop, San Miguel, Lakewood and Fairwood elementary schools. Oates divides her time among Cherry Chase, Vargas, Ellis and Cumberland. Both teachers are at two to three school sites per day and are assisted by two YMCA aides, whose services are contracted by the district.

"At first I was overwhelmed," said Oates, referring to teaching close to 400 students every week. "But teaching fourth- and fifth-graders is like teaching in Wonderland. You tell them something once and they are so ready to learn."

Before taking the P.E. reins this year, Oates taught science and P.E. for 12 years at Sunnyvale Middle School. "I love the middle school age group, but I wanted a little bit of a challenge," she said.

Oates said the challenge isn't just preparing the students for the state test. It's also about teaching them how to do something many aren't used to: playing.

"In our society there is still the latchkey child," said Oates. "When P.E. got cut, no one was teaching them how to play. I've talked to a lot of my kids and they've told me, 'My mom doesn't get home until six and when I get home I have to go inside and lock the door.'

"Yes, they can go out and play in their backyard, but video games are so enticing."

Since Oates started teaching students how to do push-ups, jumping jacks and sports such as ultimate Frisbee and soccer, she's heard a number of great compliments not only from students, but teachers, parents and principals as well.

"I have no data to back this up, but I think the kids are happier," said Cherry Chase Principal Erica Tukeman Gilbert said. "They are excited for P.E. and when they are in the classroom they feel like they've gotten energy out and had a good time."

For some, the positive response to the new P.E. program wasn't immediate. Vargas parent Karla Reyna remembers when her fifth-grade daughter, Madeline, used to come home and complain about P.E.

"It was terrible for her because of her weight," said Reyna. But despite Madeline's protests, her mother continued to encourage her to do the best she could.

"We prayed together the morning of the first mile run," Reyna said. "That day she came home and said, 'I did it and I wasn't the last one.' We were so happy we celebrated. I think that day she broke her barrier."

In addition to enjoying P.E., Madeline has started to run with her mom twice a week at a nearby park. They are up to two miles now. Although she has not weighed her daughter, she can tell she has lost a significant amount of weight and defiantly has more energy.

"We love P.E.," Reyna said.

Madeline's story is only one of many that illustrate the impact of the new P.E. program, according to Oates.

"My neighbor down the street happens to be in my class. Her parents went out and bought her a basketball hoop this week," Oates said. "I have to tell you when I go outside and see her shooting hoops, it just warms my heart. I defiantly taught that student how to take care of their body."

In addition to teaching the students different ways to stay active and healthy, Oates is working on educating the parents. Each month she sends home a fitness calendar with different activities families can do together.

"It said to do 25 jumping jacks," said Chevy Chase fourth-grader Sai Srinivas. "But I did 100 and my older sister helped me with some of the things I am doing in P.E., like not pulling my leg up when I do push-ups."

Oates is also looking to plan a family night where parents and siblings are invited to come, do a fitness test with their child, and participate in the other P.E. activities. She also wants to encourage parents to follow new statewide Wellness Policy guidelines limiting the amount of sugary and fatty foods students are able to eat.

As the official March testing date for the Fitnessgram nears, the fourth- and fifth-grade students will continue to work on their abdominal crunches, push-ups and aerobic capacity through mile runs and newly-learned sports. But according to Oates, P.E. is more than just a means to a better test score.

"They are getting a chance to play and laugh and make mistakes and learn how to correct them," she said. "Most of all I think what our goal is; to make sure every student has the opportunity for a healthy lifestyle."