School Physical Activity Success Story

Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation

Category: Increasing physical activity in a before or after school program
Grades/number of students: 6-8, 614 students

Key Changes and Results:

• Improved discipline, not just a little, but a lot!
• Fewer referrals to the nurses office in the morning
• Fewer referrals to the principal's office
• 56% increase in breakfast program
• Parents gave positive testimonials to principal about their children

Additional Key Changes and Results:
Teachers said kids were more alert when in class. The students walked over 13,000 miles cumulative througout the year. Some students lost weight; some said their strength improved; some said they just felt better starting their day off walking. One teacher lost 40 pounds during the year. Comments from students include the following: "I feel pumped up in the morning." "I no longer foreget things. It has improved my memory." "My body is healthier and I'm having fun." "I love the socialization."

Keys to Success:

• Began before school walking club for students arriving early, with help from a local run/walk club who initially helped school get walking club started and provided incentives
• School-Community Council, a large collaboaration between schools and community partners, helped with pedometers and incentives as club grew to over 250 kids
• PTSA helped with club, and school nurse was given stipend using Title V to help organize and keep club records
• Buy-in from school staff and student leaders in classes
• Students participate in a school site council that helps determine health actions in the school

Additional Keys to Success:
Paid staff of the School-Community Council, who helps write grants to get equipment and supplies

For more information:

Mary Schweizer, Principal
mlschwe@evsc.k12.in.us
Plaza Park Middle School
7301 Outer Lincoln Ave.
Evansville, Indiana 47715-4971

Submitted by Ginny O'Connor, RN School-Community Council 1 S.E. Ninth Street Evansville, In 47708