The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Teacher honored for keeping kids healthy
By Edward Freundl, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: January 17, 2008
Chelsea Schools physical education teacher Mike Bareis has received an All-Star Teacher Award from Project Fit America (PFA) for his work in teaching children about the importance of physical fitness.
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PFA is a national, non-profit organization that recognizes teachers who have developed innovative approaches to promoting physical activity.
Bareis is the first teacher in Michigan to receive this award, and the only one in the Midwest to be named this year.
Bareis, a teacher at Pierce Lake and South Meadows elementary schools in Chelsea, was recognized for his innovative programs and fitness routines that promote wellness and provide continuity between fitness activities at school and home.
His curriculum offers children a chance to earn awards for completing physical activity challenges, which include using PFA equipment and a mileage club.
His students are enthusiastic about the curriculum. Ninety-six percent of fifth-grade students who had participated for two years gave the program a favorable rating in a survey.
"Mike is a caring, dedicated educator with a positive attitude. We are proud of what our children have been able to accomplish with his enthusiastic help," said Pierce Lake Principal Lucy Stieber.
In addition to a recent special thank-you and presentation by some of his students, Bareis received additional thanks, a plaque and a commendation from the Chelsea School District Board of Education at Monday's meeting.
The PFA program aims to improve the physical fitness testing levels of children.
The program has three components: specially designed outdoor fitness training equipment, staff training and physical education curriculum support materials.
Project Fit America is a component of Move Forward! Healthy Choices for Kids and Families, a childhood obesity prevention program.
Move Forward! is a joint program of the Chelsea School District and Chelsea Community Hospital, which promotes good nutrition and physical activity among students in the district's elementary schools.
The program is funded by a grant from the Chelsea Community Foundation.
For more information about the Project Fit America program, the Move Forward! program or the results of the programs, contact Move Forward! Project Manager Debra Oman† at 433-2204.
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