A physically educated person is someone who has learned the life skills necessary to perform a variety of activities, is physically fit, participates in regular physical activity, knows the implications and the benefits from involvement in physical activities and values physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle.

At Wellwood Middle School, in the Fayetteville-Manlius school district, this is our "checklist" for students. We try to set the stage for our young people with the premise of being fit for life and not just fit for an athletic season, or special event. Throughout the year, we as physical educators, offer a vast assortment of activities that boost our students' energy levels, as well as their fitness levels.

Our students are formally tested for their fitness levels twice a year. However throughout the year, we track their fitness capabilities through various activities. Our students have all been taught to figure out their target heart rates. During our classes, we check to see if we are working in our training zones. Even in units like soccer and lacrosse, we chart heart rates to keep the students aware of its importance. We do this mainly to show that even though some students are not "athletes," they can still get a "fitness education," so they can carry on with a healthy lifestyle on and off the playing field.

At Wellwood, we focus on all students. We teach to al abilities, not just the "athletic type." Instead of concentrating on team sports, we include cooperative games, orienteering, project adventure, aerobics and country line dance.

We also have a unit on "backyard games." These do not focus on the fitness aspect; however, it emphasizes the joy of playing outside with people. Some of these games include Bocce Ball, Lawn Jarts (the safe ones), Frisbee Golf, and Croquet. We find that the computer and video games overshadow backyard games. Daycare has become an issue. many children in daycare situations, therefore, don't have the daylight time to go outside and play.

It is so important to emphasize play with our middle school students. We have to remind them to take the time to play. Our age group ranges from 10 year olds (5th graders), to 14 year olds (8th graders). We really try to set up some positive experiences for these students throughout our units. Instead of emphasizing winning and losing, we focus on how our hearts and bodies are getting stronger and healthier through regular physical activities.

Wellwood Middle School has been involved in the Olympic torch runs when the torch has passed through our town. We have been involved with Jump Rope For Heart programs. Our school annually participates in ACES Day each may. We inform our students about outside "fun-run" programs such as the "MS Society" and "Breast Cancer Research."

As we see our students grow from 5th to 8th graders, we see the difference that our program makes. More students are involved in fitness quests more than ever! More students are talking and asking questions about their personal fitness and how they can improve it.

In the near future, our program will be involved in using more technology in our curriculum. We are preparing for a new fitness room with an emphasis on cardiovascular conditioning. Times have changed, even in the 11 years that I have taught. The focus on fitness over competition is astounding and encouraging to our society. In a world where the percentage of overweight young Americans has more than doubled in the past 30 years, we need to keep going forward in our profession. The sad issue is that fewer than one in four children get 20 minutes of vigorous activity each day. Fourteen percent of children ages 6-11 are overweight, and 12 percent of adolescents are overweight. Only one state in the Union, Illinois, requires physical education every day! 85 percent of all 5 year olds in the United States cannot pass a basic fitness test. 40 percent of all 12 year olds display heart disease factors.

The statistics are frightening. At Wellwood Middle School, we are prepared to give the statistics a run for the money. Our students are striving to be the healthiest that they can possibly be. We give our students an "imaginary tool box" to put imaginary fitness tools in. At the end of their middle school career, they take that "toolbox" wherever they go and use it when they need it. Our hop[e is that they use it to their benefit and remember the importance of a healthy lifestyle.