Racing For Fitness

 WHY:  To encourage all of our children to establish healthy habits, including daily exercise & eating healthy while having fun! 

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention recommends that children should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.  There are many easy and enjoyable ways to help your child meet the recommendations.  Encourage your child to participate in activities that are age-appropriate, enjoyable and offer variety 

WHEN:  October 1, 2011 – May 23, 2012

 HOW TO PARTICIPATE:  Use the “Racing For Fitness Log” that you will receive each month to keep track of your exercise/activity for that month.  

• The goal is to exercise/play 60 minutes or more every day at least 3 times every week.  Students need to meet their goal every week in the month to be entered into the fitness raffle.
• Make sure you turn in your log ON TIME in order to be included in any raffles and prizes.
• Family members are encouraged to participate in all activities including the bonus challenge presented each month!
• Students who meet their goals each month will be recognized on the “Racing For Fitness” bulletin board for their participation, hard work, & effort.
• Activity logs will be due the first Wednesday of each month for the prior month. 

CLASS RECOGNITION:  The classes which have at least 70% participation for the month will be entered in a drawing to win a “FREE DAY” during their regular physical education class.  Free days will be awarded to one (K-2) class and one (3-5) class.  Classes will also be awarded the “Racing For Fitness” Trophy to keep in their classroom for the month. 

INDIVIDUAL REWARDS:  Besides having fun, and becoming physically fit & healthy, students will have the chance to earn rewards.  Students who meet their monthly goal and return their log sheets ON TIME will be entered into the fitness raffle drawing!  Drawings will be held 3 times during the year at the PUMPED celebrations.  Winning students will receive FUN, SPORTS-RELATED prizes.   

The main goal of the BE FIT Program is to promote life-long fitness practices for Ames students and their families.  The biggest reward will be staying healthy, getting fit & having fun while spending time with family members.  Research shows that healthy, active children are more likely to grow up to be healthy, active adults.

 Questions:  Contact Gail Goletz, Physical Education teacher or Tracy Stanard, PTA Chairperson 

What can I do to get – and keep – my child active? 

As a parent, you can help shape your child’s attitudes and behaviors toward physical activity.  Throughout their lives, encourage your child to be physically active for one hour or more each day, with activities ranging from informal, active play to organized sports. Here are some ways you can do this:

• Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle yourself.
• Make physical activity part of your family’s daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together.
• Give your children equipment that encourages physical activity.
• Take young people to places where they can be active, such as public parks, community baseball fields or basketball courts.
• Be positive about the physical activities in which your child participates and encourage them to be interested in new activities.
• Make physical activity fun.  Fun activities can be anything your child enjoys, either structured or non-structured. Activities can range from team sports or individual sports to recreational activities such as walking, running, skating, bicycling, swimming, playground activities or free-time play.
• Instead of watching television after dinner, encourage your child to find fun activities to do on their own or with friends and family, such as walking, playing chase or riding bikes.

Be safe! Always provide protective equipment such as helmets, wrist pads or knee pads and ensure that activity is age-appropriate.