Supporters of the Woodlan kindergarten-through-12th-grade campus project turned in more petition packets than their opponents by Tuesday’s deadline, according to voter registration officials.Gym teacher Cam Smith stood on the Timothy L. Johnson Academy playground Tuesday, leading rows of antsy first-graders through a series of stretches.
“Ladies, if you’re wearing a skirt, remember not to do this stretch,” he said, before bending to touch his toes.
Eight girls who had chosen to wear skirts as part of their school uniform looked at one another and smiled.
The charter school students were in the midst of their daily “fit” class – a 25-minute course the school uses to prepare students for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. The award is part of a national program meant to recognize students who achieve an outstanding level of physical fitness.
By the end of the program, students will be tested on their strength, flexibility and speed. Boys and girls who score at or above the 85th percentile will be honored with the highest award, though the program honors several levels of athletic distinction.
Smith said he hopes to conduct a special awards ceremony for his students and give them a chance to buy special hats and shirts.
Although school officials introduced the program last year, they made it a larger priority this year, according to school leader Steve Bollier. Part of the class is used for recess time, although most of it is marked for special athletic training. Students will participate in the training four days a week, while one day a week they will have gym class at an off-site location.
“We’re just trying to get (the children) to understand the importance of being healthy,” Smith said. “In the urban community, it’s statistically proven that health hasn’t been the best in the past few years.”
Recognitions
•Andrew Watterson and Travis Yoquelet won the 2010 David Arthur Maynard Scholarship.
Indiana Tech
•“Light Up the Night: TechFest 2010” is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. today at Andorfer Commons and Scully Square. The event, free and open to the public, combines elements of light and technology and includes a fireworks display.
•The 2010 convocation will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Schaefer Center gym. The focus on the theme “Tradition Begins with Me.”
IPFW
•The IPFW Choral Union invites new members from the community who love to sing. The choir is open to singers of all ages and backgrounds, and there is no fee to join. Members may choose to take it as a course for credit if desired. The Choral Union rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays at IPFW’s Rhinehart Music Center Choral Room 122.
Informal placement auditions will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. today and Sept. 13 to determine in which section the singers will be placed.
