Sometimes change is good.  George Velarde, Physical Education Department Chair at Sierra Vista Junior High, thought so.  And now their PE program has been recognized by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as a Demonstration Center for the Nation and was also the recipient of the Physical Education Middle School of the Year Award by the California Coaches Association 2009. “We average 75 demonstrations a year from different schools around the country” states George, “educators, principals, superintendants and community leaders come and visit to see our PE program in action.  Our Physical Fitness Scores are tops in the state.” Over $450,000 was raised through fundraising and grants and their PE Program has been featured on the CBS Early Show, KTLA News, Best Body Magazine and Fitness Business Pro, to name a few. 

So what makes Sierra Vista’s PE program different from the rest?  “It’s the ‘New PE,’” states George, “we stress fitness over sports skills.  We haven’t stopped teaching sports skills, we just recognize that health and wellness are number one.”  The objective of the “New PE” is to teach fitness and more importantly, it is about objective measurement over subjective grading.  With the use of heart rate monitors and pedometers, students have the ability to work at their individual physical activity level that will be most beneficial to them.  This data is maintained and used by the PE staff at Sierra Vista, helping them create appropriate activities. 

The “New PE” program was developed in 2002-2003.  “We knew it wasn’t going to be cheap” states George, “but with the support of our principal, superintendant and the Parent Advisory Counsel (PAC) we knew we could get it done.  The heart of the program is our state-of-the-art fitness center on our campus.”  The transformation of the old gym to the new fitness center includes DDR dance pads, Xavix Exercise program and Virtual Mountain Bikes in their ExerLearning Section, FitnessGram Computer Lab, Rock Climbing Wall, Polar Tri-Fit 200 Assessment 700 Assessment System, Weight Room and Cardiovascular Education Section including rowing machines, spin bikes, ellipticals, upper body ergometers and stair steppers. Outside fun activities include the use of the Trikke, a three-wheel cambering vehicle, the Triton, a three wheel “beach cruiser” and the Body Blade training, used to increase and tone muscular endurance and strength.

What started out as a vision has turned into a healthy lifestyle.   “It’s been an incredible journey to see the staff, community and district come together to support the cause,” states George. 

To view the episode featured on Sierra Vista’s program visit http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5022640n .