PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DURING AND AFTER THE SCHOOL DAY
Goal: Age-appropriate physical activity opportunities, such as recess; before and after school; during lunch; clubs; intramurals; and interscholastic athletics, will be provided to meet the needs and interests of all students, in addition to planned physical education.
It is recommended that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. Students are more likely to participate in activities that are appropriate to their age and ability level. A variety of options should be available to students during and immediately following the school day and on weekends. School-based physical activities help to focus students on positive behavior and interaction with others, builds self-esteem, establishes personal values and is the basis for the development of lifelong exercise and physical activity.
According to www.MyPyramid.gov the benefits of physical activity include:
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Improved self-esteem and feelings of well-being
Increased fitness level
Helps to build and maintain bones, muscles, and joints
Builds endurance and muscle strength
Enhances flexibility and posture
Helps manage weight
Lowers risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Helps control blood pressure
Age-appropriate physical activity opportunities (such as recess, before school, after school, during lunch, and through clubs, intramurals, and interscholastic athletics) will be provided to meet the needs and interests of all students, in addition to planned physical education.
Plan Of Action:
1. The district will incorporate physical activity, beyond physical education classes, at all grade levels.
a. Elementary school:
i. Recess twice per day including before lunch
ii.
