RuskinFIT Wins Regional Award

Ruskin Elementary School has been participating in the Governor's Fitness Challenge for several years and this year was the regional winner for the entire Bay Area. 100% of their students participated, meaning they spent at least 30 minutes exercising every single day. With the obesity epidemic in American these days, being physically fit is important.

Ruskin Elementary School recognizes that being fit is not just good for us physically, but also leads to better academic outcomes. Their description of being RuskinFIT "include being academically and emotionally smart, physically active, and civic minded." Today, Kenny Rogers from the Governor's Fitness challenge recognized Ruskin and helped CVS Pharmacy present the school with $6000. The first $5000 will be used to provide fitness equpment for the school and the remaining $1000 is in the form of a CVS gift card to buy any supplies that the school needs.

Ruskin has twice been a California Distinguished School this decade, and being fit is a large part of their success. They have carried the program to a higher level, teaming up with the Nike Store for NikeFIT days on Fridays and will be installing a school garden to promote healthier eating habits. And they were recently featured in TriSports.com's blog.

Piedmont Middle School has also been very successfully participating in the Governor's Fitness Challenge. I have been promoting the idea that all of our schools should introduce fitness programs based on the fact that physical fitness helps promote mental fitness, which leads to improved academic performance. Tonight, Brooktree Elementary School kicks off their participation in the challenge. They will be joined by Ada Wong, a finalist on the current season of NBC's Biggest Loser.

Congratulations to Ruskin for a job well done!