ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — With the sun beating down on the Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex, students put their training to the test Wednesday afternoon. Physical Education students from five Round Rock ISD high schools were there representing their schools for the 7th Annual Fit Games.
“I like the games because I’m really competitive and I like to compete against other people, especially other schools,” said Ebony Lane. “And we get to represent Stony Point and how hard we worked during training.”
It’s part of RRISD’s effort to redefine Physical Education.
Susan Nix, one of the assistant athletic directors, first introduced the program to the district. “If you were to interview the general public about what a physical education program looked in the high school, it was kids not suited out, might have a few shooting baskets and then the remainder are sitting in the bleachers,” said Nix.
It was a problem she wanted to change.
“We wrote the curriculum so they have a guide to follow, they have benchmarks they’re tested on every six weeks, and that’s how they get their grade in physical education,” said Nix. “We have had testimonies from kids saying its changed their life, whether it be their fitness, their weight, their self-esteem.”
Now 12 other districts have implemented the TEA-approved Functional Fitness curriculum. Students say the games have changed their attitude towards fitness and competition.
“You’re not allowed to be in sports if you’re participating in this so I think it’s more fun for people not recognized to have fun and show they are as capable as anyone else,” said Alexzandria Washington, a Stony Point High senior.
The program also helps build healthy habits that will follow students after graduation. In RRISD the program first started with two schools, and has grown to 15.
The program’s success is proof that if something isn’t working, schools can fix it, and the results are worth the risk.