![]() Total Fitness Challenge “Move your body, stretch your mind” Assemblyman Michael J. Cusick cusickm@assembly.state.ny.us |
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Assemblyman Michael J. Cusick |
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Dear Neighbor, Young children should not use summer vacation as an excuse to be inactive both physically and mentally. Studies have shown that children who continue to read during the summer perform better academically in the fall. It is also important for children to be physically active as part of a healthy lifestyle. To encourage children to exercise both their mind and body during the summer months, I have established the 2008 Total Fitness Challenge. The Total Fitness Challenge is open to all students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Each child must read at least 15 minutes every day, and perform as many physical activities as they want. The different physical activities are assigned varying point values, which count towards each student’s total score. A Total Fitness medal will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place top scorers from each grade among the island-wide entries. Mark the enclosed calendar for each day in July and August that you and your child read together and exercise. When there are 40 or more days marked off, your child will earn an Excellence in Reading and Fitness Certificate. Fill out the information form below and return it and the calendar to me. I will provide your child with a certificate. A good source for reading materials is your local public library (click here for a reading list). I’ve also listed a series of physical activities as suggestions for your child to perform. Thank you and have fun!
1911 Richmond Ave. |
Excellence in Reading and Fitness Certificate |
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Child’s Name (First, Last) |
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School |
Grade as of 6/08 |
Parent or Guardian Name (First, Last) |
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Address 1 |
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Address 2 |
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Phone/E-mail |
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Number of Days Completed. |
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Total Number of Points |
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To receive your certificate and be eligible for a medal, please have your parents complete the above form and send it with the attached calendar to:
Assemblyman Michael J. Cusick |
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**Click here for a printable information form** |
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Special thanks goes to the NYS Education Department’s Division of Library Development and librarians across the state for their help. |
Let’s Get Fit Together
Step 1: Move off the couch! According to 2005 statistics compiled by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control, 37 percent of New York State youth self-reported that they did not participate in vigorous physical activity in three or more days out of seven. Further, 78 percent of New York State youth self-reported that they did not participate in moderate physical activity in five or more days out of seven. And almost 85 percent of New York State youth self-reported they did not have daily physical education. Studies also show preschool and childhood obesity is rising. Additional reports state that most overweight children have at least one major physiological risk factor, besides being overweight, and they are likely to have abnormally thick heart muscle tissues as adults, which increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure.
Step 2: Take action!
Web sites providing facts and figures about staying healthy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: www.fitness.gov U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov |
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**Click here for a printable activities list** |
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