At the beginning of the 2nd semester, students in Grades 5 and 6 completed their pre-test of the FitnessGram. The FitnessGram is described as the "student fitness report card," and was designed by the Cooper Insititute using evidence-based standards to measure the level of fitness needed for good overall health.

Just as students should know their academic progress in the classroom, students should know their fitness levels and understand the relationship between fitness and health.

So what tests did the students complete?

PACER Test- multistage aerobic capacity test that progressively gets more difficult as it continues.

The test is used to measure a student's aerobic capacity as part of the FitnessGram assessment. Students run back and forth as many times as they can, each lap signaled by a beep sound. The test get progressively faster as it continues until the student reaches their max lap score.

The FitnessGram Test components for the musculoskeletal system are broken down into three primary areas: muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. FitnessGram tests these three areas to assess the functional health status of the musculoskeletal system.

Curl-Up Test

Students perform a Curl-Up in cadence with the music, focusing on muscular strength and muscular endurance of their abdominal muscles.

Push-Up Test

Students perform a Push Up in cadence with the music, focusing on upper body muscular strength and muscular endurance.

Sit and Reach Test

The test data will be used by the PE teachers to determine what areas of fitness and health need to be addressed for our students. It also provides students with a snapshot of their current state of fitness and allows for them to be able to build a roadmap for improving their overall health and fitness.

(Written by Ryan Walker Pictures by Ryan Walker)