School Name: South Douglas Elementary School
School District: Douglas
South Douglas Elementary School signed up to participate in Power Up For 30 in October 2014. After attending the Power Up For 30 training with other teachers and administrators in Douglas County, a belief that is widely shared by South Douglas Elementary School teachers was reinforced – kids are happier, work harder and are better behaved in class when they are allowed to exercise and participate in team sports at school.
Kelly Gray, South Douglas Elementary School’s physical education teacher, and Thomas Bruno Jr., a third grade teacher, decided to start a sports club at South Douglas that was a resounding success – more than 120 students signed up to participate.
“Our sports club offers students an opportunity to improve their fitness level, skill level and sportsmanship,” said Casey Duffey, principal at South Douglas Elementary School. “Through Sports Club we have opportunities to teach students the importance of fitness through various sports and activities.”
The sports club meets after school and the kids play a different game each month. So far this year, the students participated in flag football, indoor kickball and basketball. The gathering is more than an organized activity; it also affords students without the ability to access extracurricular sporting events an opportunity to enjoy team sporting activities.
“The kids are so excited about our club, as evidenced by the huge numbers of enrollees,” Bruno said. “Parents have mentioned that their kids have shared that the South Douglas Sports Club is their favorite thing to do.”
Teachers and staff have also become great supporters of the Sports Club and Power Up for 30.
“The Sports Club has been a welcome addition to our after-school programs,” said Donald Schad, a fifth grade teacher. “The Club gives the students an excellent opportunity for additional physical education and they are very excited to participate.”
Parents are also seeing the benefits of Power Up for 30. They are finding that increased physical activity is not only enhancing the students’ athletic ability, but also helping children foster healthy relationships through friendly sports competition.
"I believe the South Douglas Elementary School’s after school sports club is a wonderful way for the students to come together for fun, exercise, sportsmanship and friendly competition,” said Russ Elek, parent volunteer. “The students get so excited and I feel they really enjoy the different sports we play. We always have such a good time whether we are outside when the weather is nice or inside the gym on rainy days. I look forward to spending time each week with all of them."
What do South Douglas Elementary School students think of Power Up for 30?
“There are many things that I love about sports club. First, I like that we do a lot of different sports,” said Gabi, a third grader. “Plus you stay active while having fun. You get to be with your friends and favorite teachers. Sports Club is awesome and it is my favorite!”
To learn more about South Douglas Elementary School, please visit www.southdouglas.dce.schoolinsites.com.
