Twenty Tennessee schools serving middle grade students have been awarded Shape the State grants from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation to upgrade their physical education programs.
The grants, valued at $10,000 each, provide the nationally acclaimed SPARK physical education curriculum, teacher training and equipment for each recipient school. In addition, each school will receive $1,000 to spend on PE, nutrition and wellness efforts.
“We’re thrilled to be able to help transform PE at these schools,” said Dawn Abel, BlueCross director of community relations and foundations. “Since 2011 we’ve seen nothing but positive results from the 100 schools that have received Shape the State grants.”
SPARK focuses less on traditional team sports, and more on fun, active games that all students can enjoy together, regardless of their level of athleticism.
This fall, faculty and staff from the latest Shape the State schools will gather for training from SPARK professionals to learn how to use the program with their students. In addition, they will receive complete SPARK curriculum materials, as well as 800 pieces of accompanying equipment, ranging from the odd – rubber chickens – to more traditional items, such as soccer balls.
SPARK was launched in 1989 after being developed by researchers at San Diego State University. Since then, its evidence-based curriculum has been used in public schools, YMCAs and other settings across the nation.
The schools awarded 2016 Shape the State grants are:
Big Sandy School, Camden
Christian Academy of Campbell County, LaFollette
Clinton Middle School, Clinton
Collinwood Middle School, Collinwood
East End Elementary School, Humboldt
F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School, Nashville
Grace Christian Academy, Knoxville
Harding Academy of Memphis
Heritage Christian Academy, New Tazewell
Jefferson Middle School, Oak Ridge
Lakeview Elementary School, New Johnsonville
Lara Kendall Elementary School, Ridgely
Lexington Middle School, Lexington
McKenzie Middle School, McKenzie
Midway Middle School, Ten Mile
William James Middle School, White Bluff
Wilson Elementary School, Crawford
W.O. Inman Middle School, Paris
V.G. Hawkins Middle School, Hendersonville
Yorkville School, Yorkville