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Physical Activity Spotlight: Janet Maza

 

By Oregon Kids Move with Heart

Janet Maza is in her second year as Principal of Bonny Slope Elementary School, one of three Active Students Task Force elementary pilot schools. She is a dedicated advocate for increased physical activity in schools, and was eager to join the pilot program. Her decision to become a pilot school was due to the research showing a positive correlation between increased physical activity and academic performance. “We have the hope that we are able to duplicate the research that has proven that students are able to perform better, focus more clearly, and build stronger relationships when they get more movement in their day. We also learned that many students of poverty have a reduced opportunity for exercise and we are hopeful that our daily exercise and movement will help our economically disadvantaged students as well as those with difficulties focusing, perform better in the classroom.” Just four months into the school year, and already there has been a dramatic decrease in disciplinary action.

Janet earned her Masters in Education from Oregon State University and her Administrative License from Portland State University. Prior to becoming principal, she was a teacher for fifteen years teaching at Oak Hills, Ridgewood, and Conestoga, and a teacher on special assignment for seven years.

Physical activity and physical education are important to Janet for many reasons, but “most importantly it educates students with the life-long skill of keeping their bodies healthy. Additionally, it provides students with social skills like teamwork, cooperation, patience, and mentorship.”

To learn more about efforts to increase physical education and physical activity opportunities, please visit Oregon Kids Move with Heart website. Be sure to follow along with @BSDBrainBoost and @AHAOregon — and tag your tweets with #BSDBrainBoost and #ORKidsMoveWithHeart.

Read the original story here.