Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools recently received a grant award of $18,273.

Through this generous grant provided by the K21 Health Foundation, WCS middle school physical education students will learn how physical activity impacts their health, and enjoy an innovative opportunity to stay active and healthy. Each middle school PE classroom at both Edgewood and Lakeview will receive a class set of Polar E-Unite heart rate monitors. Health experts state that education providers have significant opportunities to establish healthy active habits in children. This is important because habits formed early in life can track into adulthood.

In addition, they state that, “Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese. Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment that supports healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.”

In a world where obesity and sedentary lifestyles are on the rise, physical education classes at WCS are attempting to break this cycle. WCS’s vision is to continue increasing student wellness, along with their physical activity in a fun and non-threatening way that will promote sustainable change and promote healthy living. The heart rate monitors will facilitate the continuous, active involvement of the students and increase the amount of time that students are being active in the PE classes. Through the integration of the heart rate monitors, WCS will be more effective in teaching students the importance of being active and making healthy versus unhealthy choices.

Incorporating the heart rate monitor technology into PE class will give students immediate feedback on their fitness levels and activity intensity. The PE teachers are excited to have authentic conversations with 7th and 8th grade students as they hypothesize how changes in exercise intensity will boost their overall wellness. Teaching students what to look for and how to personalize activities for their specific needs will lead to successful living in the future. Separately, as part of a two-year pilot, K21 Health Foundation had previously provided a grant for 5th and 6th graders with fitness tracking devices; these devices have allowed students to start having critical conversations about their physical activity.

“WCS is excited to continue this momentum in middle school with a new method of teaching about and promoting healthy living and physical activity,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “We are thankful to K21 and their continued support in creating a healthy community.”