by Drake
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Recognizing that a significant percentage of school children in Shelby County, Tenn., are overweight, the district is trying to help schools improve opportunities for exercise, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. As part of a first-time effort to assess students’ weight status, all 51 schools in the county measured the body mass index (BMI) of approximately 18,000 students in kindergarten and second, fourth, sixth, eighth and ninth grades. Although not all schools have posted results, district officials plan to use the data to focus interventions on schools recording higher BMIs. Specifically, the district will aim to develop more efficient physical education (P.E.) classes, provide counseling opportunities for students and inform parents of their child's weight status. Responding to the call for improved P.E. classes, Bon Lin Elementary School in Bartlett has integrated Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit into its classes. School officials say the video game system, purchased with a $500 grant from the Bartlett Education Foundation, is helping students increase their physical activity and become more engaged in P.E. classes. Readings from pedometers worn by fifth-grade students at Bon Lin during P.E. classes register more steps when students are exercising with Wii Fit than when they are participating in traditional class activities
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