While physical education classes have been cut from almost all
county schools because of tight budgets, one parent’s club refused
to see it go, and raised the money to keep their program.
Hollister – While physical education classes have been cut from almost all county schools because of tight budgets, one parent’s club refused to see it go, and raised the money to keep their program.
Southside School had to lay off its P.E. teacher, who used to work with the kids four days a week, because it was faced with a shrinking budget in June. After hearing about the cut, the Southside School Parent’s Club raised two-thirds of a $12,000 salary to hire a part-time teacher Kristy Burchard and keep the program in the school. The school picked up the other third of her salary.
“The parents realized the need and importance of the program,” Principal Eric Johnson said. “There is all kinds of research that shows children involved in athletics do better in school and are healthier.”
Because of the parents, the new P.E. teacher will work with the students three days a week. Johnson says, without the parents, Southside School wouldn’t be able to function.
“The parents are the third rung of the triangle here,” he said. “Everyday they’re here volunteering. For instance, our librarian is a parent who volunteers her time everyday, and our lunches wouldn’t be handed out if we didn’t have the three parent volunteers who help with that.”
Physical education for the students is important to Johnson, considering San Benito County has the highest rate of obesity in the state.
“They have to be able to pass certain physical fitness tests, and a lot of schools have their classroom teachers doing P.E., but I think it’s important to have someone certified,” he said.
Nowa Triolo, president of the Southside School Parent’s Club, said having a credentialed P.E. teacher is essential for the students and the teachers.
“If the teachers had to be out there teaching P.E., they would lose their prep time, which would cause the students to miss out on experiments and stuff,” she said. “And I think all of us agreed that P.E. is very important for the students. Many of them are involved in extra sports activities, but for those who aren’t, this may be the only time in their lives where they’re able to learn about sportsmanship, and develop exercise skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.”
Triolo said the Parent’s Club raises most of their money at the Carribean Wine and Food Affair, which is a fundraiser they hold along with the Friends of Southside School Endowment. This year’s event will take place this Saturday at Ridgemark.
Christine Tognetti covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-5566 ext. 330, or [email protected].
