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Academics

Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant

In September 2011, Mohonasen Central School District was awarded the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant. The grant is part of a federally-funded program offered by the U.S Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. Read the frequently-asked questions below to learn more about the PEP Grant and how it will benefit Mohonasen students district-wide.

PEP News

April 24, 2012
PEP grant funds used to purchase interactive Sportwalls
Interactive technology is giving Mohonasen students a new reason to have fun – and increase their activity level – in physical education class.

New fitness technology, called Sportwalls, were recently installed in each of the district’s schools. Sportwalls are interactive fitness gaming stations that engage the whole body in physical activity. The devices are the first purchase made with funds from a three-year PEP (Physical Education Programs) grant the district was awarded in September 2011. Learn more

Sept. 30, 2011
Mohonasen receives three-year, federal physical education grant to expand programs
Mohonasen officials learned this week that the district is one of 76 school districts and other education agencies in the country—and one of 10 in New York—to receive a Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant. Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much money will Mohonasen receive through the PEP grant?

A. Mohonasen is expected to receive $1.8 million over the course of three years. This breaks down to an average of $644,000 per year for three years, pending annual federal funding. On Dec. 21, 2011, the government approved to continue funding in the 2012-13 school year.

 

Q. How many schools received this grant?

A. Mohonasen is one of 78 schools in the country — 11 in New York State — who were awarded the grant in 2011.

 

Q. How will Mohonasen students benefit from the PEP Grant?

A. New programming will focus on providing students with more activity choices and opportunities, both in and outside of physical education class. These programs will include new indoor activities using interactive technology, new outdoor activities, such as a new Project Adventure High Ropes Course and the possible implementation of an outdoor education program, enhancement of the student fitness center at the high school, the possibility of building a fitness center at the middle school, and expanded wellness/nutrition education for students in all grades. Community members will also be able to enjoy an extension of the grant through partnerships with the Town of Rotterdam, Schenectady YMCA, and Schenectady County Health Department.

 

Q. Will the PEP grant pay for a new playground or a new facility?

A. The purpose of the PEP grant is not to provide new playgrounds or facilities. The PEP grant provides funding for the development and implementation of physical education programs. As a result, funds are provided for curriculum development, teacher training, student fitness assessments, data collection and evaluations. While equipment purchases are allowed, successful grant applicants propose programs that address various aspects of a comprehensive physical education program.
SOURCE: www2.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/index

 

Q. Why am I receiving letters about my child participating in a study?

A. In order to maintain funding for the PEP Grant, the district must show how its physical education programs are affecting students in a positive manor. As a result, the district will need to collect data from a randomly selected sample of students, five times per year.

It is possible that your child could be selected more than once over the course of the next three years; however there is also a possibility that he/she will not be selected at all. The data collected is purely confidential and will not be associated with your child’s name at any time. The district will use these “samples” of students as indicators of student fitness district wide.

Q. My son/daughter has been selected to participate in data collection; does that mean they will participate in data collection for each sample over the next 2 1/2 years?

A. Over the course of the next 2 1/2 years we must submit data from a random sample of students, five times annually. For each of the five samples annually a “new” sample of students will be selected to participate. While it is possible your child may be selected more than once to partake in data collection over the course of the next 2 1/2 years, it is also possible they will not be selected at all.

 

Q. How can I find out more?

A. The district will be holding an informational meeting for the parents of Bradt and Pinewood students on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. in the high school. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the PEP Grant, please e-mail PEP Grant Manager Marc Vachon at pep@mohonasen.org.