Small Town News

School district wins PEP grant

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What's it like to suddenly have about $80,000 to spend on brand new equipment. Who knows? But it's a new feeling for Lake Roosevelt High School physical education teacher Gordon Proctor.

In the last few weeks, the Grand Coulee Dam School District has received the Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant, also known as the PEP grant. It is a federal grant meant to help expand (and, in some cases, start) a school district's physical education program. This year, GCDSD was the only school district in Washington state to receive the grant.

With $3-13* 065 for the next three years, most of the money will be used to buy equipment and to set up a new curriculum. According to 21st Century Director Mary Schilling, the curriculum, which is known as the Five for Life program, was created by Spokane teachers and is being used in several school districts.

The program's main focus.is on correct nutrition and how to perform physical exercises correctly. According to their website, Focused Fitness, their goal "is to develop curriculum that builds the habit of and an appreciation for living a fit and healthy life."

Schilling says at least half the money will be used in the first year, when mostof the equipment is bought and the curriculum is set up. The rest of the funds will be used for the two years afterward to help maintain the curriculum.

Training sessions will be hosted throughout the year.

Due to some budget cuts, physical education positions are often cut first, leaving the remaining educators with the responsibility for their students' fitness. Many teachers, particularly those teaching at Center Elementary, aren't trained as P.E. specialists and are often unsure ho\v to go about teaching their students exercises and physical activities.

The sessions are set up "so that the teacher isn't going to be trained as a P.E. specialist; the teacher is going to be trained how to use this great tool."

In regards to the grant, Schilling says that "We're excited about it," adding that the grant will bring more variety to the district P.E. program.

To learn more about the curriculum, visit focusedfitness.org.



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© 2009 The Star Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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