A vote for fitness
Pablo Elementary School vies for $25,000 grant, seeks online votes
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With a budget of $300 dollars, Pablo physical education teacher Darci Nice makes do.
She replaces athletic equipment, buys a few new balls, and can purchase some clearance items. But in a single school year, $300 doesn’t stretch too far.
It’s not enough to purchase fun new programs like frolf or turn the overgrown dangerous area to the south of the school into a recreational field.
But thanks to Nice’s initiative, Pablo Elementary has the chance to win $25,000 to improve their physical education department.
After seeing an advertisement in an educational magazine about an essay contest for schools’ physical education departments, Nice wrote an essay about Pablo Elementary to Henkel Helps — a foundation dedicated to improving kids’ fitness and nutrition.
“Our third and fourth grade students have physical education every other week for the entire (month)” Nice wrote. “Our kindergarten through second grade participates in physical education classes every three weeks for the entire (month.) This is not enough to fight against an epidemic in overweight, obese and diabetic students.”
In her essay, Nice cites concerns about diabetes, which is particularly on the rise in Native American populations, as well as the need to incorporate nutrition and more physical activities into the curriculum at Pablo.
She writes about her dream to construct a walking path and transform a dangerous area, ridden with holes and uneven surfaces to a flat field capable for the students to play outside games on.
Nice’s award winning essay, submitted in September, has beaten thousands of other schools in the race for $25,000.
Out of the 2,100 schools competing, Pablo has been chosen as one of the top 10 by a panel of judges. Winner of the $25,000 will be chosen by the number of votes registered on the website www.henkelhelps.com.
In ninth place, Pablo Elementary is struggling to come up with the votes needed. Because of Pablo’s location in a less populated area, schools in the Bronx or in more populous states like Illinois are receiving more support and more votes.
But like in all things, it’s the heart and spirit of a community that counts.
When asked if the students at Pablo Elementary knew about the contest, tears rolled down Nice’s face. She responded that all the kids understand the concept of money and they were excited that they would be a part of the decision making process if they received the $25,000.
But there’s still a one in 10 chance.
A one in 10 chance to incorporate nutrition and cooking activities in the after school program. A one in 10 chance to invest in a “Peaceful Playground” — a program that encourages organized and active play.
It’s a one in 10 chance to encourage a healthier lifestyle at Pablo Elementary School.
After Dec. 15, if Pablo doesn’t win the contest, Nice wants to explore other financial avenues to receive funds.
“I think I will be more proactive on getting grants,” Nice said of future years. “And getting these kids more equipment and more opportunity.”
To vote for Pablo Elementary go to Henkelhelps.com and click on Pablo. You must enter your e-mail address to vote. Each person can vote one time per day until Dec. 15.
