What did they want to do?

After realizing its P.E. program was inconsistent, the North Cow Creek Elementary School District embarked on a two-year effort to improve it, resulting in the adoption of a policy that will completely overhaul and improve physical activity options for students, staff and the community.

Who took action?
School district staff, community members, school board

Where did this happen?
North Cow Creek Elementary District - school

Demographics

• 294 students in K-8 grade
• Not Available at this time
• 99% Caucasian; 1% Other
• In 2004, 33% of 5th grade students met 6 of 6 fitness standards and 26% of 7th grade students met 6 of 6 fitness standards.

Academic Year Implemented
2003-2005 Academic Year

Why did they want to do it?
After realizing its P.E. program was disjointed, the North Cow Creek Elementary School District reviewed its students’ results of the California Physical Fitness Test and then held a series of community meetings to discuss ways to improve the school district’s P.E. program. The school board adopted a 5-year strategic plan which set four priority areas:

1. Review and standardize the P.E. curriculum at all grade levels;

2. Implement the President’s Challenge program, which recognizes excellence in physical fitness;

3. Involve community and staff in the fitness program;

4. Develop a board policy on health, fitness, and nutrition.

Background

How did they accomplish their goal?
Step 1: The North Cow Creek Elementary School District joined the Foothill Consortium in Eastern Shasta County and applied for a PEP grant. While the application went unfunded, the effort spurred discussion about improving the school district’s P.E. program.

Step 2: The district administered a parent survey that allowed parents to rate the P.E. program. The district also reviewed results of the California Physical Fitness Test and found that their students were not as fit as they had hoped.

Step 3: The district conducted a series of community meetings to discuss the P.E. program. The school board adopted a five-year strategic plan for P.E. which called for a more comprehensive approach.

Step 4: School staff began a review of P.E. policy and P.E. curriculum and made decisions about which key elements should be included in the P.E. policy and which programs should be included in the curriculum. The district adopted the SPARK program and the Presidential Challenge and Healthy Lifestyle Awards programs. The district also decided to construct a PAR course that could be used by students, staff and the community at large. Additionally, the district has adopted the Peaceful Playgrounds Program, which promotes positive physical activity at recess.

Step 5: In March of 2005, the district adopted the Physical Education Policy.

Step 6: The district has applied for funds to the Office of Public School Construction and the Relocatable Classroom Program and the Financial Hardship grant program in an effort to establish a gym that is used year-round. Currently, the gym serves also as a multi-purpose room that houses the school’s music program, assemblies and spelling bees, etc.

What were their results?
The school board adopted the Physical Education Policy.

What are their future plans?
The district will utilize the California Physical Fitness Test results to track the fitness levels of students and determine weaknesses of its P.E. program. The administration will be charged with maintaining the records of student performance in P.E. on the Edusoft student data system. This will allow the administration to conduct an annual evaluation of the program and recommend adjustments to improve student fitness.

For More Information Contact
Biff Barnes
North Cow Creek Elementary District
10619 Swede Creek Road
Palo Cedro, CA  96073
United States
(530) 549-4488
[email protected]