We have started our Operation Fit and Healthy Kids program at Foster Road Elementary School in La Mirada, California to help improve the physical education scores of elementary students, to educate teachers, parents and students about fitness and exercise and to get kids excited by promoting physical activity, not exercise. At Foster Road Elementary School we have created a 16-week program to improve the school’s scores on the Fitnessgram Test. The Fitnessgram Test is designed to measure six skills that will help school children develop a physically active and fit lifestyle. Our step by step program is easy to follow and fun for the kids.
With our program, we would like to initiate positive changes within the school system and to support the new federal mandate, which requires all school districts to implement wellness policies to improve the health of their students (McCary, IDEA Fitness Journal, March 2007).
“It will benefit the teachers and parents by having a fitness expert team there to help guide them and answer questions they might have. It’s a team approach. Getting kids up and active is important. Movement improves knowledge”
– Dr. Jean Maddox (Principal at Foster Road Elementary School)
One of our primary goals is to make exercise a priority among today’s youth. What better way to help accomplish this goal than to help the entire family adopt exercise as an essential part of their daily routine? The Excellence Through Exercise Foundation is offering a FREE educational program called “Fit Family Community” to give families in our area the information, resources and support they need to become more fit and healthy. Our foundation’s Board of Directors consist of medical doctors, an award winning personal trainer, a school principal, a physical education teacher and other educated professionals that are willing to help our community make the necessary steps toward a healthier tomorrow.
We would like to meet with families in the community twice per month. We feel that this is a good way to provide continuous support that a family will need in order to stay accountable for their actions. During these meetings we would like to focus on fitness, nutrition and answer any questions that they have. Services that will be offered to the families…
- Educational newsletters
- Online resources
- Online support
- Roundtable meetings at Michael Seril Fitness Studio,
In order to make exercise more appealing to students, we will improve the areas where they exercise by creating a safe, fun and inviting environment. Many schools are simply lacking the funds to improve the playground and fitness areas. The foundation will purchase necessary supplies and equipment to makeover the playgrounds. Example of what a remodel might cover…
- Purchasing new equipment (swings, jungle gyms, volleyball nets, etc.)
- Repainting (swing sets, hop scotch lines, basketball courts, rusted monkey bars, etc.)
- Making playground and fitness areas safer (adding in sand, wood chips, mats, etc.)
- Adding safety padding on jungle gym floors and around steps
- Physical Education is becoming less evident at school
- Knowledge about the benefits of physical activity
- The feeling of importance or urgency with incorporating physical activity into our daily lives
- FUN- getting rid of video games and alternating outside physical activities and games
- Motivation and creativity with how we stay fit
- Activities at home- organized and independent
- SUPPORT
- Nutritional meals
- Instilling the value of a healthy family and community
- Improve physical education scores of elementary students
- Educate the teachers, parents and students about fitness and exercise
- Promote physical activity not exercise
Physical activity increases circulation, which increases oxygen to the blood and brain. “The healthy, physically active child is more likely to be academically motivated, alert and successful” (California Department of Education, 1994).
- Increase physical abilities and cardiovascular health
- Increase hand-eye coordination
- Increase endurance (physical and mental)
- Increase self esteem and mental health
- Improve TEST SCORES (Physical Education AND Academic)
- Increase attentiveness and concentration levels
- Decrease depression
- Reduced risks of disease and injury
- Have more drive, motivation and confidence
- Improve leadership skills
- Improve social skills
- Make lifestyle changes
- Teachers can benefit from having more attentive students outside and inside the classroom.
- Teachers themselves can increase their physical abilities and cardiovascular health.
- Teachers can create bonds with their students outside the classroom and assume a position as a healthy lifestyle role model.
Getting involved in Operation Fit and Healthy Kids is setting an example for other schools to follow. Setting an example and spreading knowledge about this type of program will help to promote change throughout schools and into our communities. Physical education and health is so important to every aspect of our lives.
As a principal, supporting a student wellness program not only shows the teachers and students that you care about their academics, but also their physical well being. Just as you can develop a love for learning at a young age, you can also develop a love for physical fitness, activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Getting kids in shape. Promoting fun physical activity to overall improve the well being of students. Children do not have to be in organized sports or take dance classes to be active. We all have certain strengths and characteristics that make us different and able to enjoy many things.
Discipline is one of the key elements to a healthy lifestyle. This concept will also prove to be useful in the classroom. Being able to show kids that health is a priority and setting that example will give them the discipline and the skills to continue to improve every facet of their lives.
One of our major goals is to show our commitment to promoting health and fitness. In doing so, we are trying to get faculty, students and the community committed as well. Just like any Math or Language Arts class, a health and fitness goal should be pursued gradually. Instead of trying to achieve your goals all at once, it needs to be a step by step process, one goal at a time. Stay committed. The hardest but most rewarding is the first step. Don’t be afraid to take it!
Results are the most rewarding part of physical activity. As adults, when it comes to physical activity we think of results as losing weight and getting fit. For children at this age, the results are going to be different. Of course they are going to be in better shape, but they are really going to be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment, increased energy, and performing better in school. Ultimately, the rewards of physical activity for elementary school children are directly related to academics
- Master and Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) 2006 Personal Trainer of the Year Winner
- Featured on ABC 7 Eyewitness News
- Exercise & fitness advisor for the following national media outlets: Reuters Media Company, The Washington Post newspaper, Shape, Men’s Health, Maximum Fitness, Get Active magazines
- Lecturer, presenter and newsletter writer for Bright Medical Associates and Whittier Presbyterian Hospital
- Advisory Board member for GET AMERICA FIT Foundation
- Former instructor of weight training and fitness for life courses at CSUN (Cal State University Northridge) department of Kinesiology
- Owner of Michael Seril Fitness Studio and Michael Seril Enterprise
- My fitness studio is currently receiving client referrals from medical doctors and health educators of Bright Medical Associates
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