Physical activity for students of all ages was a recurring theme of discussion at Crestview’s Board of Education meeting on Monday night. For Crestview Elementary School’s Physical Education teacher Amy Stine, the impact of physical activity on learning is not to be understated.
“We have to teach these kids differently,” said Stine in a presentation to the board Monday evening.
Along with Crestview Elementary Principal Kristi Barker, Stine presented her research showing when students perform physical activity in conjunction with learning, they are more likely to absorb concepts in subjects such as reading and math. Stine explained that physical activity helps to make connections between neurons in the brain that facilitates learning.
“I’m so passionate about when kids use their bodies, they learn,” said Stine.
Stine previously completed a published study using GeoMotion Mats to document a link between exercising and learning multiplication skills. The study documented two classes of third grade students that participated in GeoMat instruction for 35 minutes during the week in their physical education class. A comparison of math scores using two control groups was conducted, and Stine found students who used the GeoMats to learn multiplication were 30 percent more successful in their learning.
“It’s not about organized sports, it’s not about obesity, it’s about their learning,” said Barker of the physical learning style.
Currently Stine is conducting a study with 21 Crestview first graders who were ranked at the lowest level of reading after the first nine weeks of school. Stine explained with reading intervention from August to October, the 21 students jumped 20 reading levels. From October to January after performing the cup stacking exercises, the same group of 21 students jumped 36 reading levels.
“They feel very confident about doing something,” said Barker. “They know [the cup stacking] is to improve their reading.”
Stine said the students enjoy the cup stacking exercises, designed to complete neuron connections in the brain, and have actually started referring to it as “Cup Club.”
“The kids are focused, their confidence is better, they’re eager to do it,” she said. “We need to find a way to reach these kids and develop these pathways sooner. We’re just on the tip of what we can do.”
The board also heard from Crestview High School’s cheerleading squad highlighting moments from their trip to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn. The team was one of 12 dance and cheerleading teams from across the country to perform during halftime of the Liberty Bowl.
“I’ve been coaching for 11 years, and this is probably the best memory I’ll ever have as a coach,” said cheerleading coach Rhonda Carey.
The squad shared with the board a slideshow of pictures of their trip, especially highlighting one stunt the girls heralded as their biggest accomplishment. Cheerleader Samantha Salyers also noted the Crestview squad was the only squad to receive the Spirit Award, even though they were the smallest squad in attendance.
“It was really special to us to win that, as a little old country school,” said Salyers. “We were all so proud of ourselves for accomplishing what we did.”
Another sport discussed Monday night was the high school track team, represented by high school Athletic Director Tim Kuhn. Kuhn requested the board purchase a new landing system for the track team’s pole-vaulters, as the old landing system is currently 16 years old and needs replaced due to improper storing.
“My biggest concern is we’re putting our athletes at risk of being injured,” said Kuhn.
Members of the board were hesitant to approve the funds, citing worries that the equipment is not being properly cared for.
“We have spent a ton of money on this equipment,” said board member Jamie McGraw. “Obviously we need them, but one concern I have is who is going to be responsible for storing and transporting this equipment? I’ve been on the board 14 years and this is the third time this conversation has come up.”
Ultimately the board voted to purchase a new landing system for $16,430 in the name of athlete safety, but stressed they wanted the equipment maintained properly.
The board also voted to subsidize costs for Crestview’s sixth graders to attend Camp Nuhop from May 7 to 10, if they choose to attend. The cost per student to attend is $165.50; the board agreed to subsidize $65.50 per student.
Progress was also made on Crestview High School’s multi-purpose facility, designed by the Buehrer Group architecture and engineering firm out of Maumee, Ohio. The board approved the schematic drawings of the facility Monday evening, with plans to move forward in pricing and surveying of the facility. Ed Glowacki of the Buehrer Group said if the project remains on schedule, it is slated for completion in late October.
“The kids are focused, their confidence is better, they’re eager to do it,” Amy Stine said. “We need to find a way to reach these kids and develop these pathways sooner. We’re just on the tip of what we can do.”
