Physical Fitness Compliments Mental Fitness

Educating the whole child includes a robust physical education. Studies show that physical fitness enhances mental fitness and learning. All of Berryessa's schools are taking physical fitness seriously, regularly participating in walk-a-thons, Jump Rope for Heart, and other events. These activities are above and beyond the traditional PE classes that are a part of California's curriculum.

I want to recognize several schools for their extra commitment to fitness. This morning, folks from the district and Ruskin Elementary School were in Sacramento to receive the grand prize in the 2011 Governor's Physical Fitness Challenge competition. Participant schools encourage regular physical activity by their students and log exercise time. Ruskin students had 100% participation this year and logged nearly 159,000 active days. As a result, they have been awarded $100,000 worth of gym equipment, which will be installed at the school. A local celebration and awards ceremony will be held in the near future.

Ruskin wasn't the only participant in the Governor's challenge this past year. Brooktree and Noble Elementary Schools both also finished in the top 10 statewide. Congratulations to all 3 schools.

The playground is an important place for students to get their daily exercise. Noble Elementary School was one of 4 schools in the entire country to be awarded a free playground courtesy of Old Navy and Terracycle. The playground is made in part out of recycled used flip-flops. This past Saturday, the school held a very successful and enjoyable community build event. Parents and district staff were on hand to build the playground and kids will start using the new equipment this week.

Noble is also participating in Earthquakes Fit. Earlier this week, representatives from the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team came to the school for a kick-off assembly. Third and fourth graders will log their exercises and after 5 weeks, a closing assembly will hopefully include a visit from an Earthquakes player.

Continuing on the fitness theme, Noble's PTA, with the help from other district schools, is organizing the first Berryessa 5K Walk/Run. Join me on Sunday morning, October 9, as we run through Penetencia Creek Park and the surrounding community, beginning and ending at the Berryessa Community Center.