Byrneville Coach Scores $10,000 For School’s P.E. Program From Governor

June 4, 2008

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Byrneville Elementary School has scored an extra ten grand for its P.E. department compliments of the governor.

James “Coach Mac” McDaniel, Byrneville’s physical education teacher, received a $10,000 check from Governor Charlie Crist as part of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge. The money will be used to purchase new P.E. equipment for the charter school.

Coach Mac had 100 percent participation in this year’s fitness challenge at Byrneville, and he was one of just four P.E. teachers in the state to receive the $10,000 award from the governor’s office. A total of about 300 schools, including three in Escambia County, participated in the Governor’s Fitness Challenge.

“We are ecstatic at that thought of getting more equipment to motivate these students to achieve their best physically,” Coach Mac said. “We love them and always want to do what is best for them.”

Byrneville Principal Mrs. Dee Wolfe-Sullivan is a huge supporter of physical fitness. Since becoming principal at Byrneville, she has made P.E. a daily activity for students. She also encourages wellness in students and staff, including offering Jazzercise for school staff. She has even done Jazzercise routines with the students.

Coach Mac, who also is a huge supporter of staying fit and well, encourages students to commit to exercising and tries to motivate them daily.

He received the check from Gov. Crist at the signing ceremony for Senate Bill 610 expanding physical education at the elementary and middle school levels at all Florida schools.

Proposed by Senator Lee Constantine and co-sponsored by Representative Chris Dorworth, Senate Bill 610 requires middle schools to offer students in grades six through eight one class period per day of physical education for one semester, beginning in the 2009-10 school year. Additionally, the bill expands current requirements to include physical education for students in grade six who are enrolled in a school with one or more elementary grades (K-5). These elementary students must participate in at least 30 consecutive minutes of physical activity per day.

“This legislation demonstrates Florida’s commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles in every young Floridian at an early age,” Gov. Crist said. “By emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, we can teach these students how to make smart choices about exercise that will improve their health throughout their lives.”

The Governor’s Fitness Challenge was an eight-week program that provided guidance and incentives to schools in helping boost physical fitness for children.

Pictured above: Byrneville Elementary School’s James “Coach Mac” McDaniel receiving $10,000 check from Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Pictured below: Byrneville Principal Dee Wolfe-Sullivan and James “Coach Mac” McDaniel with a $10,000 check for P.E. equipment from the governor.

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