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One-quarter Fit State results in for grades 5, 7, 9. Mostly a huff and puff State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell has announced results of last spring's physical fitness testing of California students in grades 5, 7 and 9. Most school districts submitted data and more than 1.25 million students participated in spring 2002. Only about one-quarter of those tested would be considered fit. Students must meet the minimum fitness standards for all six areas of the test to be considered fit; only 24 percent of students in the three grades tested achieved that goal. In grade 5, 25.6 percent of students tested, 26.6 percent in grade 7, and 25.2 in grade 9 passed at least five of the six fitness standards (in Orange County, the numbers were 24.8, 27.2 and 26.3 percent, respectively). "I am concerned that such a small percentage of students is meeting the minimum requirements for health-related physical fitness," O'Connell says. "Inactive children are at risk for serious health conditions, many of which may continue into adulthood. I encourage schools to use these results to review and improve their programs to ensure that students are learning the life-long skills needed to become and stay healthy." Statewide physical fitness testing in California public schools was re-established by Assembly Bill 265 in 1995. The law requires that school districts administer a physical fitness test, designated by the state Board of Education, each year to all 5th, 7th, and 9th graders. The designated test used was the Fitnessgram, developed by the Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research. O'Connell is monitoring student achievement - in this case, a lack of - annually. The Fitnessgram in 2002 assessed six major fitness areas, including aerobic capacity (cardiovascular endurance), body composition (percent of body fat), abdominal strength and endurance, trunk strength and flexibility, upper body strength and endurance, and overall flexibility. A number of testing options were provided so that all students, including those with special needs, had the opportunity to participate. Data separating the sexes indicated that in grades 5 and 7, more females than males met all six fitness standards, but more males than females achieved the six standards in grade 9. Across all grade levels, more females than males were in the healthy fitness zone for flexibility, body composition, and trunk extension strength, but more males than females were in the fitness zone for abdominal strength and upper body strength. A further breakdown of the results showed that 48 to 57 percent of students across all grades met the minimum fitness standard for aerobic capacity. From 61 to 69 percent met the standard for body composition, upper body strength, and flexibility. The strongest showing across all grades was in trunk strength, where 80 to 86 percent of the students met the minimum standard. "The fact that a majority of students are not aerobically fit indicates a need for more emphasis on cardiovascular activity. Schools should provide the opportunity to address these low levels of physical fitness in our children by providing quality physical education experiences with sound instructional practices," says O'Connell. The average school day includes additional opportunities for physical activity such as recess/break activities and organized activities that take place at lunch, and before and after school. These diverse activities are designed to meet the needs and interests of all students. A recent analysis by the state education department compared 2001 results of physical fitness testing with the Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition (SAT 9), given as part of the California Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (as reported in Family News, February issue). The analysis showed a significant relationship between academic achievement and fitness. "In addition to health concerns, the positive and distinct relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement provides yet another factor for our schools to consider when making decisions and designing programs for our students," O'Connell says. "Annual fitness testing should be seen as a useful source of information on program effectiveness, much like academic testing." The 2002 physical fitness results for schools, districts, counties, and the state are available on the CDE's website: www.cde.ca.gov/statetests/pe/pe.html. Empty Promise U.S. college access is squeezed for many Nearly one-half of college-qualified, low- and moderate-income high school graduates from last June will be unable to immediately pursue higher education because of cost. And of those 400,000 students, 170,000 will never attend college as they perceived an inability to make the payments. A report of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance last year reported that more than 4 million graduates in the next decade will forgo four-year schools because of rising costs. Those students from families earning less than $50,000 a year are particularly hurt. Titled "Empty Promises," the report is a reflection on the limited access to scholarships and other money such as Pell Grants. The executive summary says the lack of financial aid means a typical family has to pick up two-thirds of college expenses at a public university. The report indicates that a four-year public university costs $9,000 a year; a private school more than $23,500. The impact means than 48 percent of college-qualified, low-income high school graduates cannot attend a four-year college and that 22 percent cannot afford a college of any kind. Moderate-income families fare only slightly better: 43 percent and 16 percent, respectively. The report notes: "Many students, even those high school graduates not meeting the admissions requirements of four-year colleges, who could pursue a bachelor's degree today by first enrolling at a community college, are blocked from doing so by prohibitive financial barriers. Moreover, many students who gain access to a four-year or a community college find it increasingly difficult each year to stay in college as a result of these barriers." An advantage that the California community college system has is that it is affordable virtually to any income level. However, moving from there to a four-year campus remains an issue. Agony Ecstasy use, while high, is at last decreasing Ecstasy use among teenagers had been sharply increasing since '98, peaking at over 9 percent (for 12th graders) of those surveyed according to the Monitoring the Future Study by the University of Michigan (http://monitoringthefuture.org/). The number of teens using the drug had actually doubled in two years. This past year, however, a dramatic decrease was found by the same survey for 2002. One reason for this is the general education that wipes out the myths of ecstasy use by drug prevention programs; youngsters finally realize the danger. Though national trends suggest a victory of sorts, it certainly doesn't mean it's time to let up on the anti-drug campaigns. MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a very potent drug that combines amphetamine and a mild hallucinogen. Ecstasy isn't a new drug, as it was developed and patented before 1920, but like so many other controlled substances it was found to be extremely toxic and hazardous and was finally made illegal in 1985. Some of the physical effects of the drug include increased heart rate, dangerously high body temperature, dehydration and involuntary jaw clenching. The most devastating effect of ecstasy is what it does to a person's mind. A person's memory consists of pictures, or recordings, of everything that has happened in the past and included in the memory are sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and also the emotion. Ecstasy, through its psychoactive component, scrambles and alters these pictures and emotions. This makes it very difficult for the user to have any sense of reality. Ecstasy also damages a person's natural ability to feel good, so extreme depression follows the "high" and leaves the person to feel the long-term effects of the drug, which creates a feeling of wanting that high again to replace the depression. The cycle continues, taking more of the same drug to escape the condition brought on by that drug, all the while causing more damage mentally and physically. Information: Narconon Arrowhead at 800.468.6933 or visit www.ecstasyaddiction.com or www.stopaddiction.com. Getting Started...with Michele Piazzoni The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its updated immunization schedule for 2003. While there are no new required vaccines, the AAP is still recommending that children between 6 and 24 months receive a flu shot. There also is a "catch-up" schedule for anyone who was affected by last year's vaccine shortages. Ask your doctor for more information or visit www.AAP.org. Ð A new 5-in-1 vaccine recently was approved by the FDA. Pediarix includes protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and polio. Currently, babies receive 20 shots by the time they are 2, but this new combination shot could reduce that number by nearly one-third. Ask your doctor for more information. Ð Many hospital maternity units have stopped treating umbilical cord stumps with triple dye and alcohol in favor of spot cleaning with soap and water, otherwise referred to as "dry care." This change was prompted by concerns about toxicity of the dye, as well as the appearance and brittleness of the stump. However, extra vigilance against infection is needed for umbilical cord stumps that are not treated with antibacterial agents (dye) because a new study revealed that infants receiving dry care showed significantly more bacteria and signs of infection than those receiving the dye treatment. RECALL RECAP Joe Boxer 2-piece little girls outfits consisting of red pants and a light tan sweat jacket with "Smile" embroidered on the front, and a painted "smiley face" yellow zipper-pull are being recalled because the zipper-pull was finished with lead paint. Consumers should return the clothing to any Kmart store to receive a refund. Zutano, Inc. has recalled its 10-inch "Hip Hoppy" stuffed bunny toy because buttons on the bunny's jacket can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should call Zutano at 800.287.5139 to receive a replacement outfit. Good Lad Apparel is recalling infant girls' garment and sandal sets due to reports of small, decorative items on the garments, detaching and posing a choking hazard. This recall involves two sets that include a newborn and infant dress with sandals, and another infant capri set with sandals. All three feature decorative flowers or ladybugs. Return the garments to the store where purchased or call 877.599.5530 for more information. Build-A-Bear Workshop is recalling its "Founding Bear" because the nose of the animal can be pulled or twisted off, posing a choking hazard. Both the 18-inch and 19-inch long chocolate brown bears with cream-colored paws and snout are included. Build-A-Bear Workshop will exchange the bear for any other item they sell of equal value or provide a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card. N FAMILY NEWS BITES NEW ART STUDIO OPENS KidsArt recently announced the opening of its new Chino Hills studio, located in the Gordon Ranch Marketplace. The facility offers fine art drawing and painting to children, ages 4 and older, teens and adults. Figure drawing and portraiture, clay sculpture printmaking, cartooning, super heroes and caricatures are among the workshops offered. Parents and grandparents also are invited to work alongside children ages 3 to 5 years old at the studio's "Parent and Me Draw Color" program. Call 909.606.0428 for a free trial class. BLUES RIBBON SCHOOL NOMINATIONS Three Inland Empire elementary schools have been nominated by the state of California for designation by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2002-03 National Blue Ribbon School. The three schools are Louisa May Alcott Elementary in Riverside, Bryn Mawr Elementary in Loma Linda and Brentwood Elementary in Victorville. In all, 35 out of 247 California elementary schools were nominated for national recognition. These schools will be honored in May at a ceremony at Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. In September, U.S. Secretary of Education will announce the nation's 2002-03 Blue Ribbon Schools. Children's Network Annual Report The Children's Network of San Bernardino County has released its 2002 Annual Report. The report states that the number of children and families on public assistance continues to decline, along with the teen birth rate and the overall childhood death rate. However, nearly one in every 10 children in San Bernardino County is considered to be at risk due to poverty, child abuse and neglect delinquency. Almost one in every three persons in San Bernardino County is under the age of 17 and a variety of programs and partnerships have been developed through the Children's Network that are aimed at addressing major threats to the well-being of these young people. "Children's Network strives to improve outcomes for at-risk children and their families," says Children's Network Officer Kent Paxton. The Board of Supervisors established the Network in 1986 to study and coordinate children's services within San Bernardino County. Partnerships through the network bring together agencies of the Human Services System, Juvenile Court, and the County Superintendent of Schools to develop effective interventions for at-risk children. The 2002 Annual Report of the Children's Network is available online at www.sbcounty.gov/childnet. SPECIAL OLYMPICS WINTER GAMES Special Olympics Southern California will be holding its 2003 Winter Games March 11 and 12 at Bear Mountain Resort in the San Bernardino Mountains. The Winter Games are designed as a culmination to the Special Olympics Southern California Winter Sports season. This will be a multi-sport event, featuring Alpine and cross- country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. The Games will involve more than 250 athletes and coaches from Southern California. Alpine skiing and snowboarding events will be held at Bear Mountain and the Bear Mountain Golf Resort will be the venue for snowshoe and cross-country skiing competitions. SOSC provides sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports events for Southern California children and adults with mental retardation. Information and for volunteers: www.sosc.org/winter2003.html. By phone: 310.215.8380. HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, CRAYOLA! Crayola Crayons have colored the world of countless childhoods since 1903, and they continue to fuel the imaginations of today's kids. In fact, 120 billion crayons have been sold worldwide since their first day on the market. The first box sold for a nickel and featured the same eight colors available today: red, blue, yellow, green, violet, orange, black and brown. Today, a box contains a palette of 120 different colors. To celebrate its 100th birthday, the crayon maker will introduce four bold, new colors. To make room for them, the company has earmarked five crayons for retirement. However, one shade can stay. Kids and adults are invited to vote on which color to save and to suggest names for the new colors at www.Crayola100.com. Polls are open through July 1. |
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