Jefferson Middle School wins one of twenty 2016 Shape the State grants

Jefferson Middle School is one of 20 recipients this year of a Shape the State grant that includes the highly touted SPARK curriculum and its accompanying equipment for physical education courses. The grant includes an additional $1,000 for desired improvements to the wellness/nutrition/PE program.

Jefferson Middle School PE teachers will receive curriculum training on-site on September 19 and 20.

Robertsville Middle School received a similar grant last year, so this year’s grant will ensure all Oak Ridge middle school PE teachers have had the opportunity for the training, a press release said.

There have been 20 Shape the State grants awarded each year since 2011 when the program was launched. The grants, valued at $10,000 each, provide the nationally acclaimed SPARK physical education (PE) curriculum, teacher training, and equipment for each recipient school. In addition, each school will receive $1,000 to spend on PE, nutrition, and wellness efforts.

This fall, faculty and staff from the Shape the State schools will gather for training from SPARK professionals to learn how to use the program with their students. In addition, they will receive complete SPARK curriculum materials, as well as 800 pieces of accompanying exercise equipment.

SPARK was launched in 1989 after being developed by researchers at San Diego State University. Since then, its evidence-based curriculum has been used in public schools, YMCAs and other settings across the nation.

This press release was submitted by Holly Cross of Oak Ridge Schools.