(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – Three Kentucky school districts will use federal grant funds from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools to support physical education programs.
The funding is through the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP), which provides money to local educational agencies and community-based organizations (including faith-based organizations) to initiate, expand and improve physical education programs (including after-school programs) to make progress toward meeting state standards for physical education. The funds may be used for equipment, support and training and education of teachers and staff.
The three districts and their grant amounts are:
- Bell County ($252,236)
- Mercer County ($305,483)
- Harlan County ($465,308)
Successful applicants designed programs that provide for one or more of these elements:
· fitness education and assessment to help students understand, improve or maintain physical well-being
· instruction in motor skills and physical activities designed to enhance the physical, mental or social or emotional development
· development of, and instruction in, cognitive concepts about motor skills and physical fitness that support healthy lifestyles
· opportunities to develop positive social and cooperative skills through physical activity participation
· instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition
· opportunities for professional development for physical education teachers to stay informed about current research, issues and trends in physical education
This year, nearly $50 million was awarded to nearly 100 school districts and community-based organizations across the country. Since the program began in 2001, approximately 30 entities in Kentucky have received grants.
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