Campaign Materials

If you’re utilizing the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP) in your classes, it’s time to start thinking about how you will recognize your students’ hard work. The President’s Challenge provides the Presidential Youth Fitness Program award and recognition items, including apparel and instructional aides for you, the physical educator. Options include certificates for students in grades K-3 who have “joined” the PYFP Fitness Club and Presidential Youth Fitness Awards for students in grades 4-12.

For the K-3 PYFP Fitness Club, a teacher instruction sheet identifies the testing cues a student must follow in order to check-off each health-related fitness test selected. FITNESSGRAM® tests include the:

• Powerful PACER
• Balanced Body Composition
• Correct Curl-Up
• Terrific Trunk Lift
• Perfect Push-Up
• Stretchy Sit and Reach

A colorful classroom poster with test descriptions allows students to track their own progress. Once students have checked all boxes (it may take multiple attempts or a few years for them to get there), a certificate can be awarded to congratulate them for joining the Fitness Club.

For your students in grades 4-12, anyone who falls into the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) in at least 5 of the 6 testing categories is eligible to receive the Presidential Youth Fitness Award. Most students who participate in physical activity almost every day will be able to achieve a score that will place them in the HFZ. In the following chart, example students Simone and Griffin are both eligible for the Presidential Youth Fitness Award. The check marks next to the test items indicate achievements of the Healthy Fitness Zone®. In Simone’s case, she goes to a school that does not assess trunk extensor strength and flexibility; therefore, she must achieve the Healthy Fitness Zone® in the five remaining test categories. Griffin qualified for the award because he was able to meet the HFZ in at least five categories, although he tested in six.

Recognizing your students is an important aspect of the PYFP. Awards recognize the hard work students have put forth all year, as well as give them the incentive to continue the journey to lifelong health. Order your awards today!

Recently, Dr. Jayne Greenberg took time out of her day to participate in a Twitter discussion with NBC Learn regarding how educators can best incorporate health and wellness into the classroom. Greenberg, who is a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, works as the District Director of Physical Education and Health Literacy for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In case you missed the discussion, we’re sharing the questions and answers with you here.

1. 1. Health and wellness cross multiple subject areas. How do you bring health and/or wellness resources into your classroom?

We shout “Active kids do better!” We know that physical activity has a strong relationship with academic performance! In the Miami-Dade schools, physical education teachers become physical activity leaders with the Let’s Move! Active Schools program, serving as school champions.

1. 1. How is nutrition awareness taught in your school? Which discipline area is responsible for teaching it?

Students at Miami-Dade receive nutrition education in physical education. Nutrition is also taught in the sciences and other courses in the elementary schools, such as health.

1. 1. How important is recess/PE for students? Is there an opportunity for students to have physical activity in your school?

Recess is SO important for students to take a break from academics! Remember, we know that active kids do better, too. We mandate recess and daily PE in elementary schools. We strive for 60 minutes of activity for each student, every day. PE is critical as it provides standards based education to help students become physically literate.

1. 1. What tips do you have for those students not interested in PE or participating in recess?

Being active should be fun! A simple tip is to try pairing students up. This helps motivate others to move more.

1. 1. Aside from physical health and nutrition, how do you create a healthy environment in your classroom?

Activity breaks are a great way to energize students during the day.

1. 1. What is a good way to promote self-esteem and confidence among your students?

Developing physically literate students helps them have the ability, confidence and desire to be active for life.

1. 1. What are some other areas in health and wellness that you think are important to classrooms?

Physical education, physical activity and nutrition are critical. Ensuring students get enough sleep is important, too.

1. 1. Why is it important to make time during class to address health and wellness?

Schools are where students are daily, so we need to carve out time to teach these important life skills and behaviors.

This year, we are going to feature a new staff member of the President’s Challenge every month. This will help you all get to know us here at the President’s Challenge and give you a little insight into who is running your favorite program!

For March, we are introducing you to Alex. He is one of our Customer Service Representatives and is currently a college Junior. We took some time to ask Alex a few questions about himself and his plans for the future. Here are his answers:

1. 1. What are you studying in school?

I am pursuing a degree in Spanish Linguistics.

1. 1. What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to go into physical therapy to help people who have suffered a setback so that they can get back out there and enjoy their lives.

1. 1. How do you stay active?

I like to run at least once each week, along with going to the gym several times a week. I also enjoy playing soccer on the weekends at the gym.

1. 1. How do you fit workouts into your busy school/work schedule?

I try to find time early in the mornings during the weekends. Any time I can manage during the week when I’m not busy, I’ll try to fit in a workout. Sometimes this means working out late at night or early in the morning.

1. 1. What’s your favorite part about working at the President’s Challenge?

Probably the best things about working at the President’s Challenge are all the great people I get to work with. Everyone brings a very positive attitude and makes the President’s Challenge a great place to work.

1. 1. How long have you been working at the President’s Challenge?

I have been working for the President’s Challenge for a little over a year now.

1. 1. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

My favorite thing to do in my free time is to listen to music.

We are so proud of the work Alex has done and are grateful to have him as a part of the President’s Challenge team! We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in the future!

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Pilates believed concentrating on singular muscle movements and building a “powerhouse” of core muscles will cause good health and energy to flow from one’s core to their entire being. For this reason, common pilates exercises focus on strengthening the body’s center, which encompasses the abdomen, lower and upper back, hips, buttocks, and inner thighs.

There are 6 principles of Pilates:

1. Concentration
2. Control
3. Centering
4. Flow or Efficiency of Movement
5. Precision
6. Breathing

Pilates is a form of exercise that is centered on controlled body movements. Because of its focus on core strength, pilates is an excellent way to improve your balance and coordination. This is a type of exercise that is not hard on joints and ligaments, as it does not involve jumping or jarring movements. This means  those with joint pain or other conditions that can make rigorous exercise painful can still participate.

Pilates can be done in a studio, in classes at your local gym, or on your own at home. There are several videos and books that will walk you through excellent pilates workouts on your own. With no required equipment, pilates is accessible to anyone, anywhere.

1. In a small heat-resistant bowl combine boiling water and bulgur wheat. Cover with plastic for 5 minutes or until water is absorbed, then fluff and cool completely.
2. Combine the rest of the salad ingredients together and fold in the cooked bulgur wheat. Keep refrigerated.

Access the full recipe here.

1. Salt and pepper chicken breasts.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3. Add an additional 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and onions with the chicken.
4. Stir in chicken stock, orange and lime juice.
5. Add in spices, peppers and tomatillos.
6. Place everything in a baking dish.
7. Roast for 2 hours at 300 degrees.
8. Once you remove the dish from the oven, remove the chicken from the baking dish and blend sauce.
9. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Access the full recipe here.