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U.S. Rep. Boswell: Brings state education leaders to tour Grundy Center physical education department
4/10/2010

For Immediate Release

April 9, 2010

Contact: Jane Slusark, 202-225-3806

Jane.Slusark@mail.house.gov

Grundy Center, Ia. – Congressman Leonard Boswell led a group of Iowa education leaders in a visit to Grundy Center schools this week to learn about the district’s cutting-edge physical education program that they have implemented in their elementary and secondary education schools.

Boswell brought State Senator Jack Hatch of Des Moines, Dr. Gregory Peterson from the Iowa Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition, and Melissa O’Neil from the Iowa State University Polk County Extension Office to tour the PE department that he believes should be a model for the rest of America’s schools.

“The health of Iowa’s children is in jeopardy as more of our kids become obese and are diagnosed with ailments previously thought to only impact adults,” Boswell said. “GrundyCenter schools have shown great ingenuity and initiative in addressing this problem not only within their schools, but also in the community. The district’s physical education department should serve as a national model for how we can get our kids active and healthy.”

Boswell has visited with GrundyCenter physical education officials several times to learn about how the district has implemented the PE4life program that is designed to make physical education more engaging and interactive for today’s children. Rick Schupbach, a physical education teacher at GrundyCenterElementary School, and Bev Ahern, a physical education teacher at the Grundy Center Middle and High Schools, head up GrundyCenter’s PE4life program.

Ahern recently joined Grundy Center schools and has expanded heart rate monitors in the district’s secondary physical education classes to give students a more effective workout in the classroom and to teach them how to monitor their health for the future.

“GrundyCenter has been served well with the support and innovation of Superintendent John Stevens’ leadership and dedication to the future well-being of the community’s children,” Boswell said.

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