Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports

Teacher In The Spotlight

George Velarde
Sierra Vista Junior High

GOLD MEDALIST

Walking into the Sierra Vista Fitness Center is like walking into a state-of-the-art health club and has students eagerly improving their personal fitness levels. The Fitness Center has become the heart of a program that focuses on lifetime fitness goals instead of competitive sports. George Velarde, Physical Education Department Chairperson, is the visionary responsible for making this dream come true.

Equipping the Fitness Center, educating teachers, and changing the current PE department culture was a major challenge that George enthusiastically accepted . After three years, a successful PEP grant, and exhaustive fund-raising efforts, the Fitness Center opened its doors to students. The center accommodates three classes of students in fun and innovative personal fitness activities simultaneously. The ExerGaming and ExerLearning equipment engages students in workouts that are both fun and healthy. Each teacher also received a class set of heart rate monitors and pedometers which they use to collect information on students’ personal fitness. Students log their progress in fitness portfolios, and share the information with parents three times per year.

Through his leadership, the PE department at Sierra Vista now follows a schedule that places more focus on developing the fitness of its students than on sports activities. Over the course of a week each teacher spends two days on Unit Activities, one day on HopSports, one day on Aerobics, and one day in the Fitness Center. Unit Activities include peddling, soccer, racquetball, and basketball. Aerobic Activities include walking with pedometers, jumping rope, and timed runs.

George’s work at Sierra Vista has remarkably affected student fitness. Over the past five years, the percentage of students scoring in the Healthy Fitness Zone on the State Physical Fitness Test has increased significantly. It is now the highest in the District and one of the highest in the state.

More Teachers In The Spotlight

San Diego

Brian Nassif Albert Einstein Academies
SILVER MEDALIST Coach Brian Nassif is hard-working, resourceful, and creative in bringing activity, exercise, and healthy habits to our campus. He coordinates the LIFE program for grades K-8. He leads the LIFE adventure program which is designed for “at risk” students. It keeps them off the streets and exposes them to activities like yoga, surfing, and rock-climbing. One student recently commented, “Now this is what life is supposed to ... Read More »

Ventura

Kim Hargrave Lang Ranch Elementary
BRONZE MEDALIST Kim Hargrave is a 3rd grade teacher...and an Ironman triathlete. Training for and racing in Ironman triathlons and marathon events has enriched her life ten-fold! Kim's vision is to provide others with the equivalent environment to flourish through fitness. Fourth grade teacher Allison Ginter states, "Kim embodies the spirit of the Governor’s spotlight award. She imparts to students, teachers, and parents that physical activity and resulting fitness ... Read More »

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