Another new aspect is a competition. Schools that have the most students that meet the challenge will be awarded prizes.
“We will be giving $100,000 to an elementary, middle and high school to be used for physical fitness,” Steinfeld said. He went on to say that other prizes include $5,000 gift certificates to be used for fitness programs or equipment.
The main goal of the state’s fitness test and governor’s challenge is to get kids and families active.
Jim Beckenhauer, Crescenta Valley High School physical education department chair, credited the school’s approach to the test for its success.
“[The students] know it is important,” he said. Teachers work with the kids before the test to help prepare them.
Beckenhauer also credited the school’s parent support. He mentioned the new track and field that was purchased through donations from the community to non-profit organization Crescenta Valley is Committed to Athletic Needs (CV CAN).
“Many times [before the new field], if there was a rainstorm, P.E. classes would have to stay off the field for up to a week,” he said. “But not now.”
Glendale Superintendent Michael Escalante added that the credit should be shared with the feeder elementary schools and Rosemont Middle School, adding how fortunate the GUSD is.
“There are some districts that do not have elementary P.E. teachers,” Escalante said.
He added that the Glendale district is dedicated to the physical health of the students as well as their academic achievements.
Putting their muscles to use, both O’Connell and Steinfeld ended the visit with a trip to the school’s weight room where they worked out with students.
Steinfeld posed with students as they lifted weights, then pulled them to the side to talk to them about staying physically fit and guiding them with work out methods. For information on the Governor’s Challenge visit the website at www.calgovcouncil.org.
