In Action
NFL Network, Verizon FiOS and the New England Patriots bring Keep Gym in School to Massachusetts
Pickering Middle School
Lynn, Massachusetts
New England was the latest stop for the 2009 Keep Gym in School program, bringing excitement and $50,000 in grant money to Pickering Middle School. With partners the New England Patriots and Verizon FiOS TV, NFL Network celebrated the adoption and refurbishments in Lynn, MA with a high-energy pep rally and minicamp. The grant money provided funding to convert a run-down locker room into a state-of-the-art fitness room with new cardio and weight training equipment. The grant was also used to provide additional Physical Education equipment and inspired the City of Lynn to provide funds to renovate the gymnasium including refinishing the gym floor. With the improvements, more students will have more access to better facilities and more physical activity classes – including a dedicated weight training and exercise class to educate students on proper technique.
NFL Network Analyst Scott Hanson and New England Patriots Kicker Stephen Gostkowski were amazing hosts for the pep rally and minicamp which also featured dignitaries including Verizon New England Vice President of Marketing Peter Bowman, Lynn School's Superintendent Dr. Catharine Latham, State Senator Thomas McGhee, and Lynn Mayor Chip Clancy.
Though the rain kept the students inside, it didn't stop the excitement as the gymnasium transformed from the pep rally into a modified minicamp, complete with fitness and football stations. Stephen led students in a full stretch before rotating through the five stations. All of the students enjoyed their afternoon of physical activity and are hoping they will be the most improved student from their district and attend the honors event at the 2010 NFL Draft in NYC.
Verizon FiOS TV, The New England Patriots and Stephen Gostkowski were happy to join with NFL Network's Keep Gym in School program to get students excited about a lifetime of fitness.
Congratulations Pickering!
To further the mission of supporting physical education in America’s schools and establishing healthy lifestyles, NFL Network, with its partner NASPE, is working to educate the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch on the following legislative priorities:
Florida AHPERD needs your assistance with a national call to action to defeat SB 1644
The State of Florida needs every bit of assistance in contacting Senators to defeat SB 1644, which would eliminate the middle school physical education requirement. We are asking for your support in sending out a "National Call to Action." For more information please click here.
Support the PHYSICAL Act—PE & HE as Core Subjects
Senator Tom Udall has introduced legislation to make physical education and health education core academic subjects within ESEA. S. 3683 would also reauthorize PEP as a stand-alone program, create a new health education grant similar to PEP and make some changes in the Department of Education to emphasize PE and health education. Please contact your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor this important bill. [Take action] Use NASPE's new “PE is an Academic Subject” paper in your advocacy!
Support Physical Education and Health Education in ESEA
Congress has begun the process of reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and your input is critical. Please let your legislators know how important it is to include physical education and health education in the new ESEA. [Take action]
Health Education Advocacy Alert
Support Health Education in our nation's schools and communities by advocating for more federal support. Now is the time to lend your voice to advocate for health education. [Take action]
Support PEP Grant Funding
In an effort to streamline the Department of Education (USDE)'s programs and increase effectiveness, the President's FY 2011 budget contains major changes to the PEP grant program. The Administration proposes to consolidate PEP into a new authority along with 5 other existing programs. [Take action]
Find Your Elected Officials
Click here to locate your elected officials, the executive office, and/or federal agency staff to take ACTION!
