Keep PE In Pinellas County Schools All 5 Days

Palm Harbor parents, are you aware that our children's PE classes may be cut from 5 days a week to 3 days a week? I was recently notified by Tampa Bay Good Living that the school board is considering a policy that would allow schools to make this choice. They are encouraging parents to contact your principal to ensure your voice is heard regarding this matter. Well, I certainly intend to do just that! And I’ll do one better by giving you this platform to write your comments that I will happily pass on to the proper administration.

 Why am I so passionate about this? I am a mom of a first grader at Palm Harbor’s Sutherland Elementary. I know my child needs a break in her day to run and play and socialize; and since recess has been taken from them, PE is the only outlet the kids have. Ask any first grade teacher how many times a day they have to address their students for fidgeting and talking. I know that for many kids, PE is the only real activity they get most days. I know that our society is obese, that childhood obesity is an epidemic, and that our children need to learn to be physically active. I am passionate about ensuring my body is healthy and strong, and I pass that on to my child as well. She likes working out, being fit, and feeling great.

 I remember a time not too long ago when I was a single working mother who was, unfortunately, away from my daughter for about 11 hours a day so that I could provide for us, and I was doing the best I could. I remember taking her for her yearly check up and the pediatrician reminding me to make sure she gets an hour of activity each day, outside of school (since she was only in preschool and not really getting any physical education). How on earth was I supposed to do that? When I got home from work I had to prepare and feed her dinner, bathe her, try to spend some quality mommy/ daughter time, teach her life lessons, work on reading, encourage creativity, and all before an 8:00 bedtime. And if I don’t do all of these things AND give her an hour of physical activity, I am letting her down. What’s a mom to do?! Well we turned our quality time together into evening walks together, and we’d make them fun. We would collect rocks and sticks, we would mix up our walk with some stretches and running, we would go watch the sunset and climb trees and run on the beach. My point is, I remember how difficult it can be to ensure your child is getting plenty of exercise, and so for many, PE is a great source for that.

 Back in the “old days” we went to school for 7 hours out of the day, we had morning and afternoon recess, and even a short one after lunch. Granted PE was only once or twice a week, but we had so much other opportunity to get outside, burn off some energy, and just be active. Since we are not allowing daily recess, then daily PE is a must! I understand that our kids need to pass all these standardized tests, and that teachers are pressed for time to teach all the material they will need to ensure that all important A grade. But I also strongly believe that kids who are active and who have time to socialize will be better able to concentrate in the classroom setting. And I believe that the lessons that our children learn in PE (team work, physical fitness, confidence, and so much more) are not just necessary, but important for them to reach their full potential in life.

Please leave your comments about this matter, and I will happily see that they get to the proper administration. We owe it to our kids to stand up for them, to be their voice, and to ensure their best interest is protected.