Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, October 20, 2008

Enthusiastic jumping jacks by Clays Mill Elementary kids illustrated everyone’s excitement about a new health and fitness program coming to Fayette County Public Schools.

“I think (people) should try to get outside more and exercise,” fifth-grader Jacob Abbott said Monday morning. “I just feel like a whole new me when I’m outside playing.”

The Physical Activity and Wellness Schools (PAWS) Program, a partnership between FCPS and the University of Kentucky, aims to establish model schools to promote a healthy school culture among staff and students. The program will launch initially at Clays Mill Elementary and Tates Creek High School.

“It’s important to us for our research purposes and important to you for your life,” UK President Lee Todd told the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders gathered on the playground.

Teachers at Tates Creek High are also excited about the prospects, said P.E. teacher Jo Geddes, and students will be able to apply what they learn in health class by monitoring their own cholesterol and blood-pressure levels.

“We have a lot of students who want to work out,” Geddes said. “It’s very convenient. Everything’s right there (at the school).”

PAWS will offer health screenings and health and physical activity programs at the schools after UK experts assess their needs. UK faculty members and graduate assistants in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion will work with school staff to enhance health education curriculum, to improve the children’s health and nutrition, and to increase kids’ physical activity in and out of class.

“This program is to help us all to be healthier human beings,” Superintendent Stu Silberman said, adding, “Healthier people learn at higher levels.”

PAWS is funded through a donation from UK graduates Steve and Elaine Harris of The Woodlands, Texas, and through the George and Betty Blanda Endowed Professorship. The program is aligned with the school district’s 2020 Vision Physical Health and Well-Being recommendations.

“We need to fuel our bodies and exercise to continue to be in top form,” benefactor Elaine Harris reminded the kids at Clays Mill.

Fifth-grader Anna McGary agreed, saying, “I think this program will encourage people to get outside and play.”