Let’s Get Physical (Education)!

The Collierville Education Foundation works to help teachers enrich their students’ education in all fields – even the playing ones! Recently, CEF provided Collierville educators with physical education grants that allow kids to see firsthand the importance of getting moving, no matter where you are!

Physical activity is important at all ages, but maintaining adequate physical wellness is even more crucial for school-aged children. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends those from age six to 17 perform at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, although only 24% of children this age do so. That’s why it’s important that you meet kids where they are – at school! Classroom physical activity has been shown to have many benefits to students, such as increased motivation, better grades, improved concentration and a reduction of disruptive behavior.

Collierville Middle School teacher Barbara Hunter’s students practice classroom physical activity, thanks to her two CEF grants. One of Ms. Hunter’s grants went toward purchasing scooters for CMS students, promoting physical activity that can be used by everyone – regardless of their age, fitness or skill level. Ms. Hunter used the second CEF grant to purchase a modified pull-up bar for all physical education students at her school, that will be primarily utilized in the state-mandated Fitnessgram Testing. The modified pull-up bar allows students who might have trouble performing a traditional pull-up on their own the opportunity and confidence to do so.

Schilling Farms Elementary teacher Jennifer Conti received a CEF grant to purchase bicycle racks for students who use their bike as a means of transportation to and from school. These bicycle racks not only promote exercise, they also create a safe area for students to leave their bikes during the school day. Speaking of bikes, Tara Oaks Elementary School teacher Lori Streitmatter used her CEF grant to purchase balance bikes to teach her younger students how to ride a bike!

We are excited to support grants that, along with Collierville teachers’ innovation, allow school families a chance to learn more about physical wellness and help students get their daily physical activity in a creative way.