OMS and School No. 9E seek $25k fitness grant

This January, Oceanside Middle School and elementary School No. 9E are embarking on an effort that could provide a new way for both children and adults in the community to stay physically fit.

Competing among 79 schools nationwide, OMS and 9E are seeking a $25,000 grant for permanent fitness equipment stations to be built outside the Alice Avenue building the two schools share. The endeavor is part of this year’s Project Fit America contest, a privately sponsored annual competition designed to create fitness education programs in elementary and middle schools across the country. If successful, the equipment would be available for use by anyone in the community.

“Engaging in physical activity is a way of maintaining emotional well being for students,” OMS principal Dr. Allison Glickman-Rogers said. “It helps reduce stress and anxiety, and produces feel-good endorphins.” She added that should the schools receive the grant, she hoped that new exercises made possible with the equipment would provide a healthy alternative to engaging in alcohol and drug use, and prevent it altogether.

Glickman-Rogers explained that her school was inspired to pursue the grant after it expanded its Phys. Ed program for the 2016-17 school year to include more individualized fitness instruction. Divided into units, the curriculum is intended to teach students fitness techniques they could do alone and at home with little or no equipment. Now, through this contest the school is seeking to expand on that programming.

The fitness stations would instruct the users on the various exercises they could perform with the equipment, and according to the organization’s website are custom tailored to focus on areas that children might be weak, such as upper-body strength.

Four schools will be chosen for the grant this year, and anyone, both in and outside of Oceanside can vote to increase OMS and 9E’s chances to receive it. Those interested can vote once every 24 hours on the nonprofit’s website. By doing this, Glickman-Rogers said, “You’re casting your vote to ensure a healthy future for the students and families in this community.”

If you would like to vote for OMS and School No. 9E, visit their Project Fit America page at www.smore.com/ec0k5-oms-9e-project-fit-america-contest or check the Oceanside School District website.