A nationally recognized physical activity program for elementary school students in Carroll County will double the exercise time during the upcoming school year.
“Our goal is to increase the daily physical activity from 30 minutes to 60 minutes,” said Linda Kephart, supervisor of health and elementary physical education for Carroll County schools.
“Research now shows that more exercise is necessary,” to maintain a healthy lifestyle, she said.
Another goal is to get the entire family involved in the program.
Called Project ACES (Active Children Excel in School), the two-week student incentive program, which takes place in the fall, involves students incorporating daily physical activity into their schedules at school and at home.
Schools who participate receive monetary awards, and students qualify for prizes and certificates.
The program was organized in 2000 by the Children?s Heart Health Action Team, a coalition of local organizations, including the Carroll County Public Schools and the county Health Department.
The program is an example of various fitness programs school systems are using to fight the increasing rates of childhood obesity.
Project ACES was one of three school systems honored in April by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance?s school-community recognition program.
“The committee looks for programs that demonstrate the interconnectedness of both schools and families, and this is certainly what the program did,” said Mike Davis, CEO for the alliance.
Gov. Ehrlich also recognized the program last fall with a Physical Activity Excellence Award.
“We?re excited about the awards, and we know that our program is working,” Kephart said. “Our follow-up data [shows] that kids are staying active.”
Suzanne Carter, a health teacher at Elmer A. Wolfe Elementary School in Union Bridge, said it has made a positive difference among students and families.
At a glance
In 2000, 11 schools and 1,036 students participated in Project ACES. Those numbers increased to 22 schools and 7,128 students in 2005.
Source: Carroll County Public Schools
