Central Valley Academy students can now use the fitness center during school hours thanks to a new partnership between the physical education department, the guidance department and local business Movement Strength & Fitness.
Elizabeth & Justin Hoffman, owners of Movement, staff the center and provide programming, guidance, and proper safety protocols to the students. Students must be in good academic standing to come during study halls, and all students are welcome during their lunch period and after school. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Superintendent Jeremy Rich saw the value of physical exercise to support students' social and emotional health.
"Not every student will be an interscholastic athlete," he said. "But everyone benefits from a healthier lifestyle. Our physical health is an important part of self-image and self-esteem."
"I wanted to find a way outside of Phys Ed classes, where a student could work toward improving his or her fitness. Our physical education department does a great job; I was looking for a way to supplement their good work."
Through people in the community, he learned about Movement. The Hoffmans had the right training and experience to make it happen if the district could find the funding. This summer, New York State announced it would allocate federal funds to schools to address academic, social, and emotional needs caused by the pandemic. Those funds made the concept a reality.
Now that the program is up and running at CVA, the Hoffmans are working on plans for an age-appropriate program at Jarvis.