Last week, we sent several letters to the Guam Medical Association Board as well as various doctors throughout the island seeking their support in bringing back P.E. Specialists in the public elementary schools. So far, we have been receiving good responses with doctors supporting our efforts in implementing this in the new Teachers’ Contract. Several years ago, we had P.E. Specialists in every elementary school. Unfortunately due to budget restraints, they were removed and have since been brought back. As “living a healthier lifestyle” has been an a common promotion throughout the island, why not start with our children in their early ages. According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, quality physical education programs can do the following for students:
• Improves physical fitness
• Develops motor skills
• Provides regular, healthful physical activity
• Reinforces knowledge learned across the curriculum and serves as a lab for application of content in science, math and social studies
• Facilitates self-discipline
• Improves moral development
• Reduces stress
• Strengthens peer relationships
• Improves self-confidence and self-esteem
• Gives children the opportunity to set and strive for personal, achievable goals.