Mark your calendars. Save the date! This is a chance for your voice and concerns to be heard in a face-to-face forum (don’t forget to add to this blog daily your comments, concerns, insults etc.).
It’s been brought to my attention some concerns about this meeting, some of which I agree with. For instance, one parent sent me an email insisting that [my edits]:
“The school Principal – a terrific person for sure – looks to be trying to assemble some control of this physical fitness/recess/gym/healthy-kids matter. She has called a meeting where she intends to straighten out any “misinformation” Yet, there is no misinformation…We should go to this meeting with the understanding that we are parents…and that change must be made.”
and
“Let’s not…turn things into a love fest”
I agree. Although the staff is worthy of respect, we must focus on the bottom line: Our kids, right now, are not getting the recommended amount of physical activity required by the state. Very simple. If some things HAVE been implemented, have you been informed?? I am not aware of any of this, and I have a sensitive ear to the ground for the changes that need to be made.
So my plea is:
1. To attend this meeting and show your support for your kids physical health, therefore increasing their academic performance. Let the school know you’re attending ahead of time please: mcarvalho@nottingham.k12.nh.us
2. Be gracious yet firm. This needs to change now. Not next year. Not two months from now. Give the school a one month deadline. Done deal.
Thanks.
What happened to when the parents take responsiblity for their kids to eat right and to get some exercise. Why are we blaming our school? There are many after school activities our kids can get into, and if they are not into those, what are they doing when they get home?
Our kids have gym once a week, and when possible go out for recess. I didn’t have gym when I was in the lower grades. I will be attending this meeting, but I will be listening to how parents intend to take responsibity and get their kids moving.
Thanks for your comment, Karen. I think I’ve tried to make this as clear as possible in my emails, but if not let me emphasize the point of this issue.
I agree that parents need to take the responsibility for their kids eating habits and physical activities. What I’m trying to emphasize, though, is the school’s responsibility according to the policies set by the State of NH dept of Education. The state requires 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity PER DAY! Let’s not muddy the waters here by bringing in some sort of moral relativism and compare ourselves to ourselves or some other bar that has been set low. Let’s strive to rise up to the overwhelming research that states the benefits of physical activity for kids throughout the day. What I’ve seen is a lot of EXCUSES as to why we can’t do something beneficial for our kids’ health and will increase their academic performance. I don’t think we need a major reformation here — I’ve offered some simple steps (and I’m not an authority here, but it seems to make sense) of light aerobic and strengthening exercises before and/or after a class. For example, if our kids did some vigorous aerobic activity at the end of their class, maybe aerobic dancing to music in place for five minutes, I think their mood will be elevated, their minds cleared and prepared for the next class. Does that sound easy to you?