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News Items of Interest !

Gov. Rounds Applauds First Lady’s National
Childhood Obesity Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 9, 2010
CONTACT: Joe Kafka or Roxy Everson, (605) 773-3212

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds has welcomed today’s announcement that the White House is establishing a new federal task force on childhood obesity and launching a public awareness campaign on the issue.

First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled the childhood obesity initiative, which is called Let’s Move.

“Childhood obesity is an increasing problem, not just nationally, but in South Dakota, too,” said Gov. Rounds. “We applaud White House leadership on this issue and look forward to promoting those things that will help reverse the trend of childhood obesity and lead our kids to healthier lives.”

State government has worked with schools since 1999 to track childhood obesity in South Dakota, the Governor said.

Data from the latest survey found more than one-third of South Dakota’s kindergarten through 12th-grade students were either overweight or obese.

Gov. Rounds said the federal initiative could boost state efforts to address childhood obesity. Those efforts include such programs as Healthy South Dakota’s Fit from the Start in child-care facilities, the Schools Walk program for elementary school students, and recreational equipment checkouts at state parks.

See the national press release at:

First Lady Michelle Obama Launches Let's Move: America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids
Learn more at: http://www.letsmove.gov/

School Physical Education Budgets a Cause
for Alarm in New "Trends Survey"

Here is a new advocacy tool from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Please share with all!
Paula Kun, Public Relations Manager, NASPE

RESTON, VA, February 1, 2010 --The median physical education budget for schools in the United States is only $764 per school year ($460 for elementary, $900 for middle, and $1,370 for high schools), and 61% of physical education teachers report an annual budget of under $1,000 – alarming numbers discovered through the inaugural “Physical Education Trends in Our Nation’s Schools: A Survey of Practicing K-12 Physical Education Teachers,” conducted recently by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and Polar USA.

“Reducing or eliminating school physical education programs is counter-productive to student health and learning, as well as our nation’s economic health,” said NASPE President Dr. Stephen C. Jefferies, professor and director of graduate studies, Central Washington University. “Students who are fit and healthy are more ready to learn. Physical education is a critical contributor to physical fitness, health and academic performance. Click on link for full story.

http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/advocacy/mediaCenter/pressReleases/Budget-Survey.cfm


	Free Training - National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)
	South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks announces two National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) trainings to be held at the AmericInn in Chamberlain, SD on March 1-2, 2010 from 8:00-5:00 each day. The training is being offered free of charge.
	The NASP training is open to 17 schools per day with a maximum class size of 25 participants per day. Schools will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Teachers need only to attend one of the two days of training to become eligible to receive the following equipment at no cost to the school: 10 compound right hand bows, 2 compound left hand bows, 5 dozen arrows, 5 targets, 1 arrow curtain, 1 repair kit and 1 bow rack. The cost of this equipment, if purchased at the retail level, is between $4,000-$5,000. To learn more about the National Archery in the School Program visit http://archeryintheschools.org/activea.asp To pre-register for the training contact: Curt Robertson, NASP Coordinator South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Pierre, SD Email: curt.robertson@state.sd.us Phone: (605) 773-4506

	NFL Offers "Keep Gym in School: Physical Education Program Grants"

	SDAHPERD Convention a Success!
	Near record attendance, excellent weather and outstanding presentations made this year's convention in Rapid City a tremendous success. Check out the Convention tab for more info!


	South Dakota Board of Education Supports PE
	The South Dakota Board of Education met in Pierre on Monday, November 2 and took action that retains the .5 unit of physical education required for high school graduation. In other action, the board rejected a proposal to allow interscholastic athletic participation to substitute for the physical education requirement. Action to require .5 units of health was also taken. Details to follow.


	South Dakota Physical Education and Obesity Statistics

	Info on the FIT Kids Act
	An act to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind) to ensure that kids are active during the school day and know how to stay healthy through diet and exercise. Senate Bill 634 (S.634) House Resolution 1585 (H.R. 1535) Encourage Senators Johnson and Thune, and Representative Herseth Sandlin to support the health of our children!

	Copyright 2010 (SDAHPERD) Last Updated 2-24-10