Mineral Daily News-Tribune

Frankfort Middle honored for Phys. Ed. program

November 23, 1005

SHORT GAP - The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recently selected Frankfort Middle School as a STARS level one school in recognition of their outstanding physical education program.

Frankfort Middle School is one of only two schools selected during this latest submission review cycle, and one of only 25 schools across the country now recognized as NASPE STARS schools.

Principal Susan Ray and physical education teachers Susan Long, J. Dawn McFarland, and Dennis Mickey will be honored in Salt Lake City on April 27, 2006, at the national convention of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

STARS criteria are based on the essential elements of a quality physical education program as defined by published national standards and guidelines.

Daily physical education in grades 6-8, highly-qualified physical education teachers, and top-notch facilities and equipment provide a strong foundation for this first STARS school in West Virginia. Student health and safety and inclusion of students with disabilities are strengths of this program. Several other unique initiatives include the homework notebook, student daily planners, activity log, 8th grade field trip to Frostburg State University to engage in outdoor/adventure activities, and a “kids teaching kids” program that provides opportunities for 7th and 8th graders to teach skills to elementary students.

The 602 students also benefit from a strong community relationship in which they can experience lifetime activities at community facilities, and there are intramural days involving other middle schools in the district for 8th graders.

According to NASPE President Thomas J. Templin of Purdue University, “We are confident that our recognized STARS physical education programs are models for other schools to emulate. There is growing evidence that supports the relationship between health-related fitness and academic achievement. Healthy children learn better and systematic movement activities facilitate cognitive development. A quality school physical education program is the foundation for helping all children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. By improving the quality of school physical education programs across the country, we will have a direct effect on the health of America's children.”

A STARS banner will be presented to the Frankfort Middle School staff at NASPE's national convention in Salt Lake City, as well as certificates of recognition and product coupons from FlagHouse, the official equipment sponsor of the NASPE STARS program.

For more information about how your physical education program can apply to become a STARS school, visit the NASPE website at www.naspeinfo.org/STARS. Physical education departments can download information on the STARS program, application information and form, criteria, and suggestions for providing evidence that the criteria have been met. The next deadline to apply for STARS is October 15, 2006.