Carol M. White PEP Grant
The El Paso Independent School District has been awarded a federal grant fin the amount of $750,000. These grant funds are part of the Department of Education's "Carol M. White Physical Education Program". Over the next three years, EPISD will utilize these funds to compliment and support our current Office of Health and Wellness programs including:
- A Coordinated School Health infrastructure in place at all 74 of elementary and middle school campuses.
- An integrated health curriculum, which delivers important health information to students through their core academics and school wide activities.
- Availability of free fresh fruits and vegetables to all of our 2nd grade students, tied to academic instruction.
- The incorporation of physical activity during and outside of the school day through the Activity Zones, Wellness Centers,and Brain Friendly Classrooms.
- An innovative Quality Physical Education Program, based on activity lessons which incorporate movement, fitness and attitude concepts.
- Utilization of technology such as heart rate monitors, pedometers, on-line assessments, Activitygram, and Fitnessgram. The Apple iTouch is our newest teacher clipboard, used to improve instruction, data entry and collection, and the monitoring of student activity and fitness levels.
Childhood Obesity
This grant serves as a call for action. According to the Center for Disease Control, the rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years (CDC, 2008). Behaviors established early in life can affect the risk of disease through adulthood. As Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Commissioner for the Texas Department of State Services once said, "It is easier to build a child then fix an adult."
EPISD recognizes the need to combat childhood obesity, diabetes, and health related diseases.
Parental Involvement
Our coordinated approach to children's health will empower and equip families with the health related knowledge and tools necessary to increase health and wellness. Studies have shown that when children's basic nutritional and physical activity needs are met, they attain higher academic achievement levels in school. Schools and parents play a critical role in helping students learn and practice behaviors that will become lifelong healthy habits.
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The El Paso ISD does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Inquiries concerning the application of Titles VI, VII, IX and Section 504 may be referred to the district compliance officer, Vincent Sheffield, at 881-2619; Section 504 inquiries regarding students may be referred to Cecilia Whiteman at 881-2527.
