10/16/09
Dear Parents:
Beginning with the 2009 – 2010 school year, as mandated by Senate Bill 530, Somerset ISD will administer to all students in grades 3 – 12, the FITNESSGRAM, a health-related fitness assessment developed by The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research. In fulfillment of the annual requirement, Somerset ISD will once again administer the FITNESSGRAM to all students in grades 3-12.
SISD considers FITNESSGRAM a quality assessment for 3 reasons:
Ø FITNESSGRAM establishes a baseline of a healthy fitness zone from which students can set goals and check their progress (non-competitive) to plan for a lifelong physical activity and to maintain and improve their fitness level. Health-related fitness assessment measures students’ aerobic capacity, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility and body composition.
Ø FITNESSGRAM provides recommended activity program options that will help students reach healthy fitness zones in those areas where they need to improve.
Ø FITNESSGRAM does not place an emphasis on skill or sports-related fitness such as speed measured by an individual’s 40 yard dash time. It does not compare students to other students.
Ø FITNESSGRAM tests all students regardless of age, gender, or ability. Students are encouraged to be self-aware of health-related fitness and take responsibility by setting personal fitness goals. When students focus on the process of doing their personal best, a more positive lifelong impact is achieved.
On your child’s test day, he/she should wear athletic shorts, t-shirt, socks, and tennis shoes underneath an appropriate warm-up suit (jacket & pants) or underneath a standardized dress. Testing in warm-ups is permitted and your child may wear the warm-up suit the entire day. If your child forgets the proper testing attire, he/she will proceed with the fitness test in standardized dress.
Testing Dates
October 13th & 14th Jr. High School
October 26th & 27th Savannah Heights Intermediate School
November 12th & 13th Somerset Elementary
December 1-3 Somerset High School
The Jr. High and High School will be testing again during the spring semester due to requirements of the Texas Fitness Now Grant.
You may request a copy of your child’s physical fitness assessment by submitting a letter to your principal at the end of the school year. SISD believes by providing you and your child with this health-related fitness information, you can lead your child toward a healthy lifestyle. A healthy student is better prepared to learn and perform in all aspects of life.
If you have any questions or concerns about the FITNESSGRAM Assessment, please contact Lark Harlos, Coordinator of Physical Education (1-866-852-9861 ext. 6105) or refer to this web link http://www.FITNESSGRAM.net/texas/
Lark Harlos
Coordinator of Physical Education
1-866-852-9861 ext. 6105
larkyn.harlos@sisdk12.net