Recently, I read an article that has left me in a quandary. The news mentioned that the 18-month Rochester Memorial School project’s final cost came in nearly one million dollars under budget. While this is terrific news in itself, I remain curious how a public school is considered complete without the inclusion of a quality playground designed to meet the physical activity needs of all students.
Surely, a thoughtfully designed playground would help to meet the educational objectives of a public school. However, it seems such a quality learning space was excluded from the Rochester Memorial School project’s budget.
As a public school educator, I am constantly hearing about the use of data as the driving force behind today’s instructional decision-making. Maybe it’s time we consider the following facts with regard to our collective investment in public schools:
- Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.
- The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008.
- The percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.
- Today, more than one third of U.S. children and adolescents are overweight or obese. These youngsters are more likely to suffer immediate and long-term health issues, including: poor self-esteem, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and several types of cancer.
Physical activity is an essential ingredient in the education of our children. Its importance can no longer be overlooked. I am hopeful that the addition of a quality playground, one that meets the physical activity needs of all students, will become an important priority to each of our town’s residents and leaders. I can’t think of a better way to complete such a wonderful investment in our community.
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Woodward
Rochester Memorial School Physical Educator
This letter appeared in both the December 5, 2012 edition of the Standard-Times, and the December 6, 2012 edition of the Wanderer. The intent of the letter was to create some meaningful dialogue regarding the health and wellness of our school-age children. Your contribution to a thoughtful discussion is appreciated.